At Brewery Arts, we aim to inspire people of all ages by opening doors to the arts and making them accessible to all. This year’s Community Dance Platform brought dancers from across our community together for a joyful celebration of creativity, performance and connection.
From our in-house Brewery Arts dancers to visiting local groups, the stage was filled with talent, imagination and community spirit.
Stories Brought to Life Through Dance
Storytelling was at the heart of this year’s Platform, transporting audiences through mythical landscapes, memories and imagination, with a new twist on the adventures of Dorothy, Toto and their friends. Across the performances, dancers explored everything from the fun and freedom of a pyjama party to the science of how memory works, with influences ranging from punk and stylised jazz to the unmistakable style of Bob Fosse.
Most of all, the performances reflected the passion, hard work and community spirit that make the Community Dance Platform such a special event.
This year we were delighted to welcome THE DANCE ATIKK, Stagecoach Kendal Early Stages, Blue Moose Ingleton Juniors and RetroSpective to the stage to perform along side our in-house dance groups, Stage Stars, Brewery Youth Dance 7-11, 11-14 & 15+, Mature Movers and Adult Performance Project. Each group brought something different to the Platform, demonstrating the breadth of dance happening in our area and beyond.
A New Opportunity for Adult Dancers
New for 2026 was our Adult Performance Project, created for dancers from our Get Moving class who wanted to develop work for performance.
The group explored creative processes, building confidence and movement skills while collaboratively choreographing a piece using solo, duet and group work. The final performance reflected their openness to new ways of moving and their shared journey into dance.
The group reflected on:
“Being part of a creative community, performing for people, good energy, being amongst performers of all ages.”
Voices From the Dancers
The Community Dance Platform is more than performance—it connects dancers, introduces new styles, and builds a wider creative community.
Our Brewery Youth Dance 15+ performers told us:
“The community and creativity really allow us to express ourselves and feel part of a larger group of people. We have also enjoyed being involved in the creative process and developing a dance that demonstrates our capabilities and expression.”
Watching one another is an important part of the experience too:
“We enjoy watching all of the dances. It allows us to experience what it is like to feel as an audience and provides awe and wonder towards the other groups’ movement.”
RetroSpective most enjoyed:
“the choreography, costumes and camaraderie” and “the joy of being together”.
Voices from our Community Group Leaders
For the dance artists and group leaders involved, the Platform provides valuable opportunities for their dancers to experience performing in a professional arts venue and to share their work with others.
Stagecoach Kendal Early Stages said:
“We are always looking for performance opportunities for our students in different venues and spaces, and it offers another fantastic performance experience for our families.”
For Blue Moose Ingleton Juniors, the inclusive nature of the Platform is particularly important:
“We don’t get many opportunities to perform due to youth dance platform age restrictions. This platform is the only one we can apply for as our groups are aged 4–11. We enjoy meeting local dance groups of different styles and mixing with them.”
RetroSpective reflected on the importance of providing these opportunities for community dancers:
“Performing is an important aspect of dance as a performing art. It’s wonderful to introduce community dancers to the magic of taking part in a performance experience in a supportive environment.”
We’re incredibly proud of everyone who took part in the Community Dance Platform 2026 and grateful to all the dancers, group leaders, technical crew, families and audiences who supported this year’s event.
Join our Brewery Arts Dance Community
Feeling inspired? Whether you’re an experienced dancer, returning to dance after some time away, or taking your very first steps, there is a place for you at Brewery Arts. Take a look at our weekly dance classes, with opportunities for all abilities and ages from 0 to 90!
Early Years
Mini Movers (0-4yrs) | Thursdays | 11.30am-12.30pm
Youth Dance
Stage Stars (4-6yrs) | Thursdays | 4-4.45pm
Brewery Youth Dance
7-11 yrs | Thursdays | 5-6pm
11-14yrs | Tuesdays | 4.15-5.45pm
15+ yrs | Tuesdays | 6-7.30pm
Adult Dance
Get Moving | Wednesdays | 6.45-7.45pm | 18+
Mature Movers | Tuesdays | 11.30am-12.30pm | Aimed at over 60’s
Take a look at our full programme of Creative Learning here.
