ORIGINS
is Southpaw Company’s new 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.
SUMMER ‘26
origins taster sessions
at Southpaw Studio
Saturdays
11:00 - 12:00 beginners
12:30 - 13:30 improvers
July:
4, 11, 18, 25
August:
8, 15
origins outreach
Catch our crew for performances and pop-up workshops at Sunderland Summerfests
Wednesdays 12:00 - 16:00
July:
22 – Thorney Close
29 – Mowbray Park
August:
5 – Houghton
12 – Hylton Castle
19 – Lambton Street
26 – Princess Anne Park
LAUNCHING SEP ‘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 at Southpaw, 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.