Past projects have identified that, on the whole, participation in dance supports young people to feel better about themselves and their identity at a time in their lives when they are struggling with self identity and awareness. Learning outcomes from dance include: raised levels of motivation; raised levels of self confidence and self esteem; improved school attendance; improved levels of achievement; improved classroom behaviour. Dance Base monitors and evaluates results from participants; teaching staff and carers and dance tutors. By gaining information from all parties a clear understanding will emerge into the whole outcome of participation in dance. The demand for this work is enormous and without funding from trusts and other sources we are unable to fulfil the many requests we receive. Five dancers will be engaged on a freelance basis to facilitate project blocks lasting approximately ten weeks and managed by the Dance Base Outreach Coordinator. Each project block will consist of a total of fifteen hours of contact time and will work towards a performance at the end. The performance is essential to the design of the ten week programme and can often be performed in front of the school, peers and carers of the participants. This can be a huge step for many participants to make, but a real boost to self esteem, especially for those who have been ‘written off’ by peers and teachers. The dance tutor and Outreach Coordinator will introduce the participants to dance by developing movement through circle games in the first session and gradually developing into contemporary dance styles accompanied by pop music that relates to youth culture, which they will be able to identify with and enjoy. As the sessions develop and the young people gain confidence an environment of democracy is created where everyone is encouraged to share ideas and creativity. Dance can support the learning of coordination and listening skills by having to follow careful instruction given by the dance tutor. The young people will also be working in pairs or groups of three or more, which will assist in developing better communication skills and trust with their peers. Dance is a non-competitive activity which encourages individuals to make a contribution which together will impact on the whole group. Annual costs for current programme: for sessional fees for dance tutors and musicians (£12,678), equipment and teaching resources (£360), disclosures and insurance (£193), administration support (£1400) and contingency (£700).