Dance Re:Ignite 4.0
September 26, 2025ARCHIVE: LEAP
(January 2023 to August 2025)
Image Credit: Sam Ivin
OVERVIEW
LEAP was a dance/interdisciplinary development programme for primary schools in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire that ran for two and a half years. It focussed on creative exploration and co-creation with artists, teachers, and pupils. Working with seven primary schools, it aimed to enable pupils and teachers to try a range of dance, arts and technology approaches alongside professional artists/creatives, and to become co-creators of artistic outputs. It included artist led CPD workshops and mentoring for teachers, artists-in-residence in the schools, resources development, ambassadors for dance education and a culmination exhibition/festival of work by the children and young people.
AIMS
LEAP aimed to build the confidence of teachers and pupils to engage with dance practice in the classroom. It aimed to do this by positioning the pupils and teachers as co-creators in that practice. Additionally, LEAP aimed to demonstrate the positive impact of dance on learning, behaviour and wellbeing, but supporting teachers to embed creative practice in the curriculum.
Introduction to the Project:
HEADLINE FINDINGS
Co-Creation
By the end of the project teachers showed increased confidence in facilitating co-creation, especially pupil-to-pupil collaboration. However, balancing co-creation with curriculum and school demands remained a challenge. Artists were key facilitators, modelling co-creation and mentoring teachers. Their reflective practice and peer learning contributed to refining the approach.
Evaluation Headline Findings – Co-Creation
Teach Development
Across both years, teachers reported increased confidence in teaching dance, using creative digital technology and applying creative strategies to support pupil resilience and wellbeing. Teachers became more confident in integrating dance and technology into the curriculum. Some adapted schemes for broader use, including SEND settings. Communication gaps within schools affected uptake and understanding. Support Structures put in place by the artists and BEEE Creative were effective enablers.
Evaluation Headline Findings – Teacher Development
Wellbeing
The project positively impacted pupils’ confidence, self-esteem, sense of belonging, and resilience. Pupils expressed pride and enjoyment, especially during the festival. Improvements were noted in pupils’ ability to express themselves, collaborate, and take creative risks. Teachers observed increased motivation and engagement.
Evaluation Headline Findings – Wellbeing
Pupil Development
Pupils developed dance and digital skills. They applied these creatively and some continued exploring them outside school. Vocabulary development improved in Year 2 with targeted resources. Technology often served as a hook for engagement for those who were reticent about dance, with same being the case vice versa. Pupils responded positively when given choice and ownership in the co-creation process, enhancing engagement and pride.
Evaluation Headline Findings – Pupil Development
EVALUATION
A full evaluation report is available for this project >>
Documentary
PROJECT CREDITS
Project Team
- Carrie Washington, Director, BEEE Creative
- Hannah Delaney, Project Manager, BEEE Creative
- Alicia Muscella, Project Administration
- Kirsten Hutton, External Evaluator
LEAP Artists
- Claire Hackston
- Controlled Frenzy
- Flicker Mill
- Hannah Delaney Dance
- Hannah Pickett
- Hinterland Creative
- MakeAmplify
- Michael Joseph
- Rebecca Benford
- Sam Ivin Photography
- Tom Hobden
Additional Festival Guest Artists
- Casson & Friends
- Daisy Gilder
- Maga Judd
Participating Schools
- Brickhill Primary School, Bedford
- The Linden Academy, Luton
- Parkside Community Primary School, Hertfordshire
- Putnoe Primary School, Bedford
- Sarratt C of E Primary School, Hertfordshire
- Scott Primary School, Bedford
- St Phillip Howard Catholic Primary School, Hertfordshire
Made possible with funding from Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
