ORIGINS
is Southpaw Company’s youth dance crew, designed by and for young people aged 8-18 in Sunderland (up to 25 for SEND).
Students are introduced to a range of dance forms, including hip-hop styles and breaking, encouraging exploration, self-expression, and creativity.
LAUNCHING OCT‘26
ORIGINS commits to:
Weekly Training Sessions
Half-Term Workshops
School and Community Engagement
Showcase & Performance Opportunities
Inclusive practice & Access Support
We asked 37 young people from
Sunderland and the North East
“WHAT SHOULD ORIGINS BE?”
They said…
“Visible and accessible to all”
“A better platform for 'unorthodox' dancers”
“Mentoring and supporting the next generation”
“Embracing of any human choice and circumstance”
“increase in local creativity”
“Understanding the origins of dance practices and why we are doing them”
“recognition”
“Community facing”
“Utilising half terms”
“Going to massive battles”
“Providing pathways and connections into the industry”
ACCESSIBLE & INCLUSIVE
BY DEFAULT
We believe that everyone has the right to engage with the arts regardless of class, age, gender, ethnicity, faith or political stance.
ORIGINS aims to break down barriers to participating in the arts
on an individual basis.
ORIGINS is therefore, free to access/PAYF
ORIGINS can offer support for travel costs, uniform and protective gear.
ORIGINS is supported by Sports England, Northern School for Contemporary Dance and Culture Start.