Archived press release

Date Published: 03/04/08

Dozens of young people from across Buckinghamshire will be taking to the stage at Aylesbury Civic Centre this weekend (6 April) for Activate 2008.

Activate is an annual event organised by Aylesbury Vale District Council that showcases the diversity and quality of youth dance from across the county.

Now in its seventh year, this popular youth dance festival will feature more than 150 young people from 14 local schools, community groups and youth groups ranging in ages from eight to 23 years old.

Taking dance themes such as street dance, hip-hop and jive, young people from different backgrounds have put together an exciting programme to showcase their varied dance styles.

This year’s participants include Aylesbury Youth Café and Aston Clinton Youth Club, who have been working with professional dance artists over the past six weeks to create original and imaginative dance pieces. AVDC organised these sessions to give young people who don’t usually participate in dance or can’t access dance classes the opportunity to learn new skills, keep fit and meet new friends.

Councillor David Thompson, AVDC Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “The Activate programme is a great opportunity for young people to gain experience in dance as well as having a lot of fun at the same time. This is a prestigious event for our young performers and I congratulate them on their hard work. I hope lots of young people will come along to see the show and that it will inspire them to get involved in a dance class or with a local community dance group.”

The show takes place on Sunday 6 April at 7pm. To purchase tickets for the performance telephone the Aylesbury Civic Centre Box Office on 01296 486009 or visit the website at www.aylesburycivic.co.uk