WHO WE ARE

Founded in 2018, Project Female is a Brighton based dance organisation. Our mission is to create an inclusive space for young dancers who identify as female or non-binary to express themselves free from judgement.

We aim to redefine the preconceptions of youth dance. We teach a unique fusion of contemporary/hip-hop dance and we empower dancers to express themselves unapologetically and grow in confidence. We support dancers to take risks and challenge the boundaries set by society.

Project Female applies a youth work approach to our dance setting with integrated pastoral care to prioritise the mental and physical wellbeing of our young people.

What we do

We deliver inclusive dance sessions across Sussex, fostering an environment where young dancers can grow with confidence and purpose.

Project Female has adapted the way that dance is facilitated to remove features that contribute to young people feeling uncomfortable and unable to participate due to their levels of self-confidence or self-esteem. We have addressed the hierarchy and power-dynamics within the space and developed a code of conduct which nurtures mutual respect and community values.

Our work empowers young people to explore and address social injustices through dance. Through performances, filmmaking, podcasts, and workshops, we create space and places for youth voices to be heard.

Our vision

Our vision is for Brighton to become the first place in the UK where all young people who identify as female, especially those who are absent from other forms of education and support, can find a voice through dance.

What makes us unique?

Project Female CIO and it’s activity sits in a unique position that encompasses a Youth Work Setting, a Mental Health Support Setting and an Innovative Dance Setting. We pride ourselves on our three strand approach:

Innovative Dance Setting

A safe space free from judgement or humiliation
Highly trained dance teachers
Creation of high quality dance work
Differentiated technique training
Empowering performance opportunities and insights into a professional dance setting

Youth Work Approach

Youth led environment which amplifies the voices of our young people
A variety of dance pathways to reflect different interests of young people
Prioritising mutual respect, being part of a community and authentic representation
Empowering young people to make social change and shape their own future
Offering a variety of youth leadership opportunities for example Duke of Edinburgh awards and Dance ambassadors.

Mental Health Support Setting

All Project Female team are trauma informed with a working understanding of mental health challenges in Young People

Encouraging body positivity & a strong sense of self worth
Upskilling young people to communicate and manage their wellbeing needs
Signposting to appropriate services
Pastoral care from safe adults who are aware of the cultural context of being a Young Person