GET INVOLVED
DanceEast is so much more than a dance class facilitator and theatre venue. For over forty years we have been running a range of innovative community projects, working with local, national and international partners to improve people’s lives through dance. We find as much joy introducing people to dance for the first time as we do developing and refining skills in more experienced dancers.
CLASSES
We believe that everyone should be able to benefit from the vital and life-enhancing power of dance. Dance contributes to the wellbeing of the population and provides many ways to enhance physical and mental health.
Our classes are for any age and ability; you don’t need to be a dancer to join in, just have an enthusiasm to move.
Find out more about our classesWORKSHOPS
We have a wide range of workshops, projects, and events for all ages and abilities.
Find out more hereCENTRE FOR ADVANCED TRAINING (CAT)
The DanceEast CAT provides high-quality dance training to young people aged 10 – 18 years who have exceptional potential and talent. This part-time pre-vocational programme covers core classes including contemporary, ballet, hip hop, health and creative studies.
Find out more about the CATU.DANCE EAST
Celebrating Youth Dance in the East of England
U.Dance East showcases the creativity and talent of young dancers from across the region. Open to school, college and community groups (ages 11–19, or up to 25 for dancers with disabilities), it’s a chance to perform, develop skills, and connect with others in a professional setting. Featuring both U.Dance East and U.Dance East Fringe, the celebration takes place at DanceEast’s Jerwood DanceHouse in Ipswich.
DIGITAL PRIMARIES
Digital Primaries delivers high-quality, creative dance sessions for Key Stages 1 and 2, streamed live from DanceEast’s Jerwood DanceHouse into your school. Our Dance Artists link Science and PSHE topics with movement and dance. The programme supports teachers with ready-to-use lesson plans, CPD, and resources that build skills and confidence over time. Thanks to funding, schools can access Digital Primaries at no cost to schools.
Find out more about Digital PrimariesCOMMUNITY PROJECTS
Working in the community, bringing people to the Jerwood DanceHouse and taking dance to people outside the DanceHouse, is core to why DanceEast exists in the first place. From our earliest days as Suffolk Dance, we have always worked to give as many people the opportunity to experience dance as possible, in Ipswich, Suffolk and beyond.
Read more about our community workEDUCATION
From regular weekly lessons streamed live into primary schools with our Digital Primaries programme, to one-off workshops such as our GCSE Dance Days, we are here to provide children and young people the opportunity to experience inclusive and life-affirming dance.
Read more about our education workARTIST SUPPORT
Artists are at the heart of our organisation and we are committed to supporting them in a number of ways, from diverse programming to financially backing some of the most exciting and talented choreographers in the country.
Discover more about Professional Development
