Michelle Ramsey was the Everybody Dance Now artist for Boy Blue. Everybody Dance Now Extended activity funding has given her the opportunity to once again work with the Guides at South Shore, Blackpool but has also offered opportunities for her own professional development.

As this program centred on CANDOCO and Joss Arnott performances at Blackpool Grand Theatre, we were able to fund CPD training for Michelle with both these companies. This enabled her to offer a further insight for the groups participating in the extended activity program. The bursary funding for the senior section girls has given Michelle the chance to develop herself in a mentoring role for the young people and offer career advice and contacts to the local college courses available.

Since Michelle worked on the first Everybody Dance Now project she has become an advocate for Blackpool Grand and her relationship with Creative Learning is now very well established. In 2016 she will be a Breakin Convention Rep.

“The Everybody Dance Now extended activity has given me a change to work with new groups, people and in new areas of Blackpool & Wyre. It was especially enjoyable to include a more lyrical and contemporary style in the workshops in contrast to previous genres explored.” Michelle Ramsey

The local group’s participation…

Senior Section Guides, Cleveleys (Ultima Vez Everybody Dance Now Group)
1 hr workshop with Michelle Ramsey pre show CANDOCO
Guest tickets to see CANDOCO
Participation in post-show talk
2 girls have been given a bursary opportunity to attend classes with other pupils at UDP. Michelle will mentor these students and assist them with college, performing arts applications

“I could never afford to go to dance classes. This will mean I am able to apply to college with more confidence.” (Senior Section Participant)

Guides, South Shore (Boy Blue Everybody Dance Now Group)
Guest Tickets to see Joss Arnott
Participation in post-show talk
2 x 2hr workshops post show with Michelle Ramsey leading to a parental sharing

“We were so excited to get involved with another opportunity at Blackpool Grand. We would never normally book to see a show like this but the combination of dance and percussion music has been inspiring. We will definitely think about bring the guides to other shows than Pantomime in the future.” (Guiding Leader)

Unity Academy (Nobulous Everybody Dance Now Group)
2 x 1hr workshops to prepare for the visit to Joss Arnott
Guest tickets to see Joss Arnott
Participation in post-show talk
This extended activity has made us explore the possibility of creating a Gifted & talented group at Unity that could possibly work towards a curtain Raiser opportunity for ZooNation.

“This is such an amazing opportunity for our dance club pupils. All 47 members regularly attend lunchtime and after school practices, they are so dedicated. Many of our students would love to attend Michelle’s UDP classes that are actually held at our school. However due to 77% of our pupils receiving pupil premium, they are unable to afford extracurricular classes on their doorstep!” (Teacher at Unity)