The Dancebox is 10!!

Opened in 2010 by local professional dancer Laura Amy White, The Dancebox has enjoyed a decade of serving the dance community. 

Having missed our official 10th birthday last year, due to Covid-19, we are having a delayed celebration.

Founder Laura says ‘People often label us a ‘dance school’ but we aren’t, we are a studio – a venue for people who love & work within the arts. However, The Dancebox is much more than just a ‘space’ – it’s a place that brings people together to create, learn & enjoy dance.

As a freelance professional dancer & choreographer you can, at times, feel lonely & isolated. Opening The Dancebox brought people into my life. It brought together a community of like-minded individuals whether that was fellow professional artists, dance companies or even children & young people wanting to learn to dance – The Dancebox has always been this vibrant space filled with joy, joy from the enjoyment of movement & dance.’

We’ve come a long way in 11 years, the name itself originated from the size of our first premises which was a small 7m x 7m space – indeed it was a ‘box’. Now a decade later we have a town centre location with two studios, waiting areas, a pop-up shop – bigger facilities that we are constantly improving to better accommodate & serve the community.

The Dancebox is always a hive of creative activity from professional dance companies rehearsing their touring work, to dance photography & videography, from yoga to children’s dance classes, auditions to breakdance dance workshops – the studio is available to hire for a variety of uses. 

People travel from surrounding areas to utilise the space in a professional capacity but we are particularly passionate about nurturing talent & youth. We believe that through the arts we can engage, inspire & empower children & young people. We also offer free space for rehearsals, showreel filming etc to local students & graduates of dance. 

Like most small businesses we had close our doors due to Covid-19. Over the last year, through other creative outlets, we adapted our practice & skills to help & support families during lockdown. We felt very blessed to receive a Spirit of Barnsley award from the mayor for our ‘outstanding contribution to the community during the Coronavirus pandemic’. 

Now, more than ever, we need to reconnect with the arts. Our souls have missed it! We need the arts – as individuals & as a community – we know that they play such a vital role in our mental & physical well being. We are so excited to see what our industry creates & produces now that we are ‘free’ again to go out & do what we love. 

Combine this need with the upcoming developments in Barnsley town centre, & the exciting plans at The Civic, & we know that Barnsley is going to have a thriving arts culture & we are so excited to be a part of it!

Lastly, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has played a part in The Dancebox’s history – big or small – we appreciate all the love & support. It’s been such an amazing journey & we are excited to create & dance through the next decade with you!

 

For hire enquiries please email:

info@the-dancebox.co.uk