Blackpool Groups: Urban Dance Project

I met Michelle of Urban Dance Project earlier on in the year when I photographed Cowbell Radio’s Alfresco. She was taking a cute streetdance class with some aspiring mini Bboys and Bgirls. Michelle was immediately approachable and helped set up some photographs for me with her group who were extremley photogenic – always a bonus. Following this, I asked if I could attend some of her classes to take some shots of her rehersals and dancers.

I attended my first session on a Wednesday and joined a friendly class of enthusiastic movers and shakers.

Musically, I totally appreciated it: Erykah Badu, Missy Elliott, it was all going on and the atmosphere was buzzy. The group were so friendly and everyone was very much enjoying themselves. The class I attended was advanced and to be fair there were some extreme moves that were impressive and everyone was looking cool and strutting their stuff. But do note that The Urban Dance Project offers a variety of classes from beginners to fitness and workout sessions, so dont be discouraged if you are interested – there will be a class for you.

Michelle’s experience is broad and she has worked with many major brands including Sony Music, Microsoft, CITV, NSPCC and Sportivate. She also choreographs and perform in many shows as well as running UDP Agency, which provides work opportunities to young people. So if you are interested I would encourage you to get in touch.

I also photographed one of Urban Dance Project’s flashmob sessions at The HoundsHill Shopping Centre, supporting mental health and I tell you, if you get the chance you should absolutely get involved in one.

A flashmob, if you are not aware, is a choregraphed dance that happens in a public place. This can typcially be a shopping centre, train station, high street, or other place where lots of people gather. The flashmob engages a number of dancers, experienced and inexperienced to do a top secret routine, surprising the general public.  They are hilarious to observe and exciting for all involved.

If you want to get involved, they are recruiting for teachers.  Auditions take place in February to teach streetdance, breakdance, commercial and contemporary for kids, adults and professionals as well as providing kids’ parties. They also have a masterclass in the near future.  To check out their timetables and find out more about Urban Dance Project visit their website or check out their Facebook page.

 Photographs courtesy of CJGriffiths Photography.