Brewery Arts’ 2026 Community Dance Platform brought dancers from across the community together for a celebration of performance, creativity and connection. The event, published on 15 August 2026, featured the venue’s own dance groups alongside visiting performers from local and nearby organisations.

Performances explored mythical landscapes, memories and imagination, including a new take on the adventures of Dorothy, Toto and their friends. Other pieces drew on the freedom of a pyjama party, the science of memory, punk, stylised jazz and the distinctive style of Bob Fosse.

The programme was presented as an opportunity for dancers of different ages and experience levels to share the stage, watch one another’s work and take part in a supportive performance environment.

Groups taking part

The visiting groups were The Dance Atikk, Stagecoach Kendal Early Stages, Blue Moose Ingleton Juniors and RetroSpective. They performed alongside Brewery Arts’ in-house groups: Stage Stars, Brewery Youth Dance for ages seven to 11, 11 to 14 and 15-plus, Mature Movers and the Adult Performance Project.

Brewery Arts said the groups demonstrated the breadth of dance taking place in the area and beyond, with each bringing a different style and perspective to the Platform.

New Adult Performance Project

New for 2026 was the Adult Performance Project, created for dancers from the Get Moving class who wanted to develop work for performance. Participants explored creative processes, built confidence and movement skills, and worked together to choreograph a piece using solo, duet and group movement.

The final performance reflected the group’s shared journey and willingness to try new ways of moving. Participants described the experience as: “Being part of a creative community, performing for people, good energy, being amongst performers of all ages.”

Brewery Youth Dance 15-plus performers said: “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.”

They also highlighted the value of watching the other performances, saying: “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 said its highlights included “the choreography, costumes and camaraderie” and “the joy of being together”.

What group leaders said

For participating dance artists and leaders, the Platform offered a chance to perform in a professional arts venue and share work with other community groups.

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.”

Blue Moose Ingleton Juniors said the event’s inclusive approach was especially important because: “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 added: “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.”

Brewery Arts thanked the dancers, group leaders, technical crew, families and audiences who supported the 2026 event.

Dance classes at Brewery Arts

Brewery Arts said its dance community is open to experienced dancers, people returning after time away and those taking their first steps. Its weekly programme includes:

  • Early Years Mini Movers for children aged 0 to 4, on Thursdays from 11.30am to 12.30pm.
  • Stage Stars for ages 4 to 6, on Thursdays from 4pm to 4.45pm.
  • Brewery Youth Dance for ages 7 to 11, on Thursdays from 5pm to 6pm.
  • Brewery Youth Dance for ages 11 to 14, on Tuesdays from 4.15pm to 5.45pm.
  • Brewery Youth Dance for ages 15-plus, on Tuesdays from 6pm to 7.30pm.
  • Get Moving for adults aged 18-plus, on Wednesdays from 6.45pm to 7.45pm.
  • Mature Movers, aimed at people over 60, on Tuesdays from 11.30am to 12.30pm.

The full Creative Learning programme is available through Brewery Arts.