Dance is a creative, fun and physical activity that’s great for boosting self-confidence and co-ordination, which makes Dance City in Newcastle a great place for children, young people and their families.

This autumn, Dance City is offering child-friendly shows, classes and family workshops, along with plenty for those hard-to-please teens too. There are also facilities and provision for children with additional support needs.

FAMILY FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES

A whole world of dance talent will grace the stage in Dance City’s 250-seat theatre this autumn, as it presents its most ambitious season of performances yet – the biggest programme outside London. There are exceptional works for children, from tots to teens, and with all tickets for under 18s £7.50 it’s never been more affordable to experience contemporary dance.

To help adults make the right choice of shows for their young ones, Dance City has devised a ‘Kid Compatibility Quiz’ for each family friendly show, which are available at dancecity.co.uk.

During the October half-term, Dance City is one of the venues taking part in the exciting programme of Juice Festival.  The festival showcases outstanding work created by, for and with under-25s as well as a family-friendly programme.

Hip Hop and breakdancing take centre stage on Friday 21 and Sunday 23 October. Jam ’n’ Juice is the only Hip Hop Theatre event in the North East and its mix of classic street styles alongside innovative new work has seen it sell out every year. Then on Sunday 23^rd, the 9^th Just Jam Intl Battle will see b-boys and b-girls from all over the world go head to head in dance-offs to win the coveted title during an afternoon of electric dance thrills suitable for all the family.

More family fun is guaranteed at Windibops on Wednesday 26 October. Dancing scientists Volta Flatulence, Caroline Trumpface and Daisy Parphead investigate flatulence and global warming in a rib-tickling performance. A relaxed performance at 10.30am has been specially designed to welcome people with special experiential needs including those with autism and learning disabilities.

Stateless is a seismic fusion of dance, theatre and circus skills which takes the audience on a heart breaking and often breath taking journey of immigration, humanity and tolerance. There are two chances to see Joli Vyann perform Stateless – on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 October.

Scattered, by Motionhouse, has been touring to great acclaim since 2009, and visits Dance City on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 November. Suitable for all ages, and particularly for newcomers to dance, Scattered combines daring choreography with digital projection technology to create an extraordinary world where dancers and images interact seamlessly. “The performance is practically jet-propelled… the quicksilver cast almost never stops moving. Dazzling.” (The Times)

Dance City’s alternative Christmas show, The Wolf and Peter, is a timeless story of courage and imagination by Dublin’s CoisCéim Dance Theatre. The story is told through the eyes of a breakdancing Wolf who, along with a Bird, a Cat, a Duck and a Boy, takes the audience on a thrilling adventure through the forest and through dance. Suitable for age 6+ The Wolf and Peter is “Reassuringly traditional and startlingly modern.” (The Irish Times). There are school and public performances of The Wolf and Peter 7 – 10 December.

If you can’t decide which shows to book, there is a helpful Kid Compatibility Quiz for each of the shows, such as this one for The Wolf and Peter:

Would your 6+ year old love The Wolf and Peter? Ask them! Do they like…

Wolves

Breakdancing

Breakdancing wolves

Ducks

Birds

Cats

Beautiful music

Big surprises

Little scares

Happy endings?

Did you score mostly YES? Then watch the trailer together and book your tickets here.

WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

There are some unique opportunities for energetic little monkeys to test their climbing, swinging and upside down skills this autumn. Hang Out & Dance workshops are dance and aerial sessions for children of all ages with lots of props and games. These workshops are limited to 10 places and can welcome all abilities including children with special support needs. Hang Out & Dance is happening 16 October and 13 November and costs £5.50. For adults and children who like to work together, Family Hang is a chance to hang upside down, try the trapeze and silks and learn daring new skills. This workshop is £20 for one adult and a child, and takes place on 9 October.

Breakin’ Beginners on 22 October is a funky chance to learn breakdancing skills in a fun and safe way for ages 8-14. Part of the legendary Just Jam Intl breakdancing event and Juice Festival, Breakin’ Beginners costs £8 per participant and booking is essential.

For little fans of a certain jolly bearded gentleman, there is a Christmas Dinky Disco on 4 December for ages 0-6. Dressing up and dancing like mad is the order of the day, to welcome in the festive season. There may even be a visit from the man himself.

CLASSES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Children’s dance classes cost from £5.50 (with multi-buy discounts available) and Dance City provides a huge choice of friendly, open and accessible dance classes for children of all ages. Dance City doesn’t teach grades or exams and young dancers learn by age group rather than levels, unless they are signed up to the Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) or the Dance City Youth Company.

Classes are available in classical ballet, hip hop, contemporary, musical theatre and pop. There are also specialised classes such as Boyz Moves, Breakin’ Bairns, Dancing Babies, Dizzy Families and Girlz Only.

Bookings for classes can be made by phone 0191 261 0505 or online.

FAMILY FACILITIES

Dance City’s onsite café serves adult and children’s needs with a good value children’s menu, high chairs and toys. There is dedicated buggy parking space, accessible baby changing facilities and toddler’s toilets.