Youth

Supporting the dancers of the future

At Stopgap, we have a thriving creative learning program, supporting ….

Check out the video below to discover what we do …

[Video description: the video shows a number of youth dancers working together in a dance studio. There are about 30 people, some of whom are learning disabled, someone uses an electric wheelchair and some are non-disabled, and they are working with a Stopgap artist to make a new piece]

IRIS - Stopgap's Inclusive Dance Syllabus

What makes our classes and youth companies unique? Our inclusive dance syllabus, IRIS, is designed to help Disabled young dancers build skills, confidence, and self-expression.

Unlike traditional syllabi, IRIS is responsive to dancer’s needs and draws on our experience of training professional dancers since 1995. We offer the same structure and rigour found in professional dance education, providing disabled young people with the skills and experience needed to pursue a career in the industry.

Whether they’re starting out or advancing their journey, we’re here to support them every step of the way.

Find out more about IRIS

Hear from our community

"I feel like they’re almost a part of the family. I’d be lost without it"
Participant
"IRIS is an effective talent development programme for young disabled dancers"
Independent report from the University of Bedfordshire
"I was really impressed with Stopgap because they talk to the students as individuals, which is so important"
Parent

Discover a company

A young Thai person with Down syndrome during a dance class.

Farnham Youth Dance Company

This dance group meets on Mondays in Farnham, from 5.00pm to 6.30pm.

Age recommendation is 14+ but please do enquire for suitability

A young white person with Down syndrome during class

Guildford Youth Dance Company

This dance group meets on Wednesdays in Guildford, from 5.30pm to 7.00pm.

Age recommendation is 16 to 30 years but please do enquire for suitability

A young white person with Down syndrome, he claps his hands together.

Stepping Stones in Farnham

These dance sessions are an associate group managed by Stepping Stones and meets fortnightly on Saturdays in Farnham.

11-11:45 | Steps & Strides (Yr 7-8)
12-12:50 | Leaps & Bounds (Yr 9-11)
1-2 | Flying & Soaring (Yr 12+)

These age recommendations are simply guidelines, please contact Stepping Stones to enquire about suitability

Contact Stepping Stones

This Is Us Dance Company in Tunbridge

This dance group is an associate group and meets on Mondays in Tunbridge from 4.00pm to 5.00pm.

Age recommendation is 9 to 18 years

Dance for Kids with IRIS - online classes

Join our excellent disabled and non-disabled dancers for a visit with IRIS, an audio describing radio shaped robot, in their inclusive, animated house, and be transported to a fantastical world of fun and creativity online.

Find out more

Volunteer with us!

Our youth dance groups welcome volunteer dancers to support with facilitation and performances. If you have a desire to deepen your understanding of inclusivity, we would love to hear from you!