The Dance Movement, a resident company of Farnham Maltings, has been awarded £45,950 National Lottery funding for ‘Dance Transformations’, an exciting new project designed to positively transform the lives of vulnerable young people and boys through dance.

The 18-month programme of participation, choreography and performance opportunities - funded through the Arts Council’s new National Lottery Project Grants programme - will see The Dance Movement partner with organisations and charities that work in the youth sector to ensure those most in need can access culturally enriching dance programmes that support their personal development and help to transform their lives.

Hedley Swain, area director for Arts Council England in the South East, said: “We’re delighted to support Dance Transformations thanks to National Lottery funding. It is really important that everyone has the opportunity to participate in and experience arts and culture, no matter what their background or circumstance. I’m excited to see how this project benefits young people across Surrey and Hampshire; and to see how others could learn from the activity.”

Participants, including young carers, NEETs, looked-after children and homeless young people, will be given the opportunity to make, perform and watch dance. They will develop relationships over a sustained period, with some of the dance sector’s most experienced choreographers including Charlotte Vincent, Tom Hobden, Robert Clark and The Dance Movement’s programme director Rachel Deadman.

Rachel said: “I am thrilled that the Arts Council believe in our values and vision and I cannot wait to get started on delivering this programme of work with my team.

“At a time where funding cuts are affecting the most vulnerable in our society it is an absolute gift to have been given this money to affect positive change in the lives of those young people who are all too often being let down by the very people who should be caring for them.

“Having worked in the dance sector for the last 17 years I have seen countless times the difference a dance project can make to the life of a vulnerable young person. I am humbled and honoured to be able to go ahead with this work and thank Arts Council England from the bottom of my heart for believing in The Dance Movement and this project.”

The project has six main strands, including Thrive Dance Academy for NEET and looked-after children, Extraordinary Objects bringing together homeless young people and professional dancers, and Leg-it, a programme of participation and performance for boys led by inspirational male role models.