A mentorship programme for students aged 11-19 from inner-city London schools & FE colleges, supporting aspirations of young people who are currently under-represented in the arts, or who face financial barriers to participating in the arts, and to enter creative careers

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Let’s Shine is aimed at Black & Global Majority students, or those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, in London schools, giving a voice to talented young creatives who are often overlooked and traditionally had less access to resources in dance.

Students in partner schools take part in sessions with students in FE colleges and HE training institutions, forming a cross-generational cohort, and facilitating mentoring across different stages of training. Young people see role models, build discipline, purpose and continuity, are exposed to the industry, and helped to make decisions about if and how they want to enter it.

The programme gives participants the chance to dive into the world of Hip Hop dance, get free training and exposure to new forms of movement, gain skills that will help with career development and receive mentorship. They will also work with a choreographer to create a short work which they will perform at the end of the programme. Just Shine also gives discipline and focus to help with academic work and to make positive social choices, creates social links between schools, and supports young people with their mental health and emotional resilience.

Insights from previous participants:

  • “The Programme gave me a big boost of confidence and taught me how to manage my physical and mental health.”

  • “I would recommend the programme to other people and if I have the opportunity, I am definitely doing it again.”

Video by Harrison Emmanuel @Danteslens

Insight from Teachers:

  • “Our students’ confidence improved after the programme. We would recommend the programme to other schools.”

  • “Just Shine gave our students an opportunity to develop confidence and independence skills”