Barking and Dagenham Youth Dance (BDYD) is a champion small grassroots charity making positive changes for our community by offering high quality dance, sports and fitness-based projects, events and activities. Our purpose is to develop community cohesion, gender equality and diversity and offer activity to keep young people engaged.
Our aims are to provide high quality opportunities for local communities to enhance their interests, skills and abilities. BDYD provide a safe and supportive environment for young people aged 5-25 to explore and experiment with dance, arts and culture.
We provide effective opportunities that engage local people in constructive action, through tasks such as dance, drama and singing, and emphasise common values such as friendship, citizenship and learning.
We provide a safe and supportive environment and use the power ofdance, arts and culture to give young people a voice.
BDYD run a successful Leadership Programme called Bar-Ham Leaders – “Giving Young People a Voice”, this is youth action programme that encourages teenagers to learn the skills to communicate their views and suggestions, with the aim to influence policy and government.
We have been awarded London Youth’s Silver Quality Mark for our work.
Barking and Dagenham Youth Dance (BDYD) is all about dance, fitness, creative development and community. We’re a youth-focused dance charity supporting young people who want to get active, explore dance, build confidence and express themselves in a safe, positive space.
Alongside our regular dance classes, we also offer opportunities to build real-world skills, including leadership, mentoring and dance teaching, helping young people grow both creatively and personally.
Our aim is simple: to empower young people, boost confidence, strengthen connections and help every dancer feel ready to step into new opportunities, both in dance and in life.
To become a member, scroll below where you’ll find a membership form available to download. Once completed, simply return the form to the email address provided.
Signposting opportunities in dance
With over 60 years of combined arts experience across our founder and teaching team, BDYD is passionate about helping young people move forward in dance, whether that’s through training, qualifications, or career pathways.
If you’re ready to deepen your skills, explore professional training, or take your first steps into the dance industry, we signpost trusted courses and development opportunities to support your journey.
The following courses are shared for information purposes only. While we aim to highlight opportunities that may be of interest to our community, we are not responsible for the content, delivery, or outcomes of these courses. Please contact the course providers directly for full details.
BDYD and FMC - NCFE accredited Level 1 & Level 2 (1 GCSE) Youth Work with pathways into Dance and Sport Leadership. (In-house). A structured qualification designed to build technical skill, leadership abilities and real-world experience in dance teaching and performance. Ideal for dancers beginning their formal progression. Perfect for dancers developing confidence, technique and consistency.
Dance (A Level) - a full A-Level focusing on performance, choreography and analysis of dance.
Performing Arts BTEC / Extended Diplomas - these include dance components and practical performance units. Typically students study techniques like ballet, contemporary, jazz, choreography and stage performance as part of the performing arts programme.
These opportunities are for dancers who want to challenge themselves, grow their technique, and explore what’s possible beyond community sessions.
If you have questions about any of these opportunities or want advice on your next steps please email info@bdyd.uk
Barking and Dagenham Youth Dance (BDYD) is a champion small grassroots charity making positive changes for our community by offering high quality dance, sports and fitness-based projects, events and activities. Our purpose is to develop community cohesion, gender equality and diversity and offer activity to keep young people engaged.
Our aims are to provide high quality opportunities for local communities to enhance their interests, skills and abilities. BDYD provide a safe and supportive environment for young people aged 5-25 to explore and experiment with dance, arts and culture.
We provide effective opportunities that engage local people in constructive action, through tasks such as dance, drama and singing, and emphasise common values such as friendship, citizenship and learning.
We provide a safe and supportive environment and use the power ofdance, arts and culture to give young people a voice.
BDYD run a successful Leadership Programme called Bar-Ham Leaders – “Giving Young People a Voice”, this is youth action programme that encourages teenagers to learn the skills to communicate their views and suggestions, with the aim to influence policy and government.
We have been awarded London Youth’s Silver Quality Mark for our work.
