Dance Company - Current Social Issue (500 words)

Sway Dance Company is a production dance company based in Sway, Hampshire. They work with teenagers and adults living in and around Sway, putting on dance shows and theatre performances for the local community.

This dance company has many different options for developing a new activity to engage with a current social issue, presently they only work with teenagers and adults which is limiting there reach into the community. They could do workshops or classes for people with learning difficulties or people with mental health problems; they could also work with people less-privileged from the local area.

One social issue the do address is getting young people involved in projects so they are off the streets and don’t have time to be bored so won’t cause trouble.

Obesity in children is a current social issue that has been in the media a lot over the past few years, my suggestion for Sway Dance Company would be to do afterschool dance and drama sessions for the local school St. Luke primary, so the children can learn how to be healthy and exercise. Dance is a good way to get children exercising without forcing them to do sport where some over weigh or unconfident children may feel very intimidated.

The school may already have some afterschool clubs and activities but they don’t have dance or drama club because they do not have the facilities on site.

 I feel this new activity would be suitable for the company because the community centre where they are based is very close to the school which makes it very accessible and they haven’t previously involved children in any shows or production. The company will become well-known then have more audience at the shows and will also develop a good reputation as they are working with children to get them healthier.

This new activity will affect the organization because they will have a busier schedule therefore the workings of the company will change and they might have to hire a new staff member who has had previous experience working with children. They will also be generating more money as there will probably be a small charge for going to the classes each term. In the longer term this activity will still be beneficial because new children come to the school every year so there will always be interest and the school and the company may join together in a partnership relationship.

In conclusion the company has many different options for expansion which puts them in a good position and I think my idea to work with the local school would be very beneficial to the company.