Thrive Youth Dance Company provides classes in North London where young people ages 12 - 19 can study contemporary dance and choreography in a creative and supportive environment. The company helps to inspire young people along their journey to becoming young dancers, artists, and performers. Thrive educates and supports future generations of young dancers by enabling creative thinking and inspiring self-confidence.
Students will:
Practice contemporary dance technique
Learn choreography and performance skills
Discover more about dance as a career
Improve fitness, flexibility, and strength
Gain confidence and creativity
Participate in performance opportunities
Learn more about dancers health and wellbeing
Ask about how to get involved in our partnership with the Centre for Advanced Training at The Place
What people are saying...
"I've gained new confidence in my creativity and have liked getting to make my own choreography" - Sonny
"The atmosphere is that of a family" -Carmel
"It helps me to improve technically in order to be accepted into professional dance" -Lucas
“What you do is so important at a crucial stage in their lives - encouraging them to think of their bodies in a positive, confident way; helping them to be expressive and strong and unafraid. It's not to be underestimated, and you deserve to feel proud of the effect you have on them" -Rebecca
"I really enjoy the classes because I am taking GCSE Dance and it's helped me a lot so far" -Caitlin
"I've learned that dance can bring people together and is a way to make new friends" -Chloe
"My daughter has benefited hugely from everything you have taught her. It has been great for her fitness, discipline and focus” -Eilis
"The students are also able to watch the other performers and appreciate their skillset and varied choreographies. It is in these venues that young dancers are prepared for this most rigorous of professions” -Sue
Where you've seen us
Thrive youth
Alumni
You might have seen us performing at:
The Place Youth Platform 2022
U.Dance Regional Platform at Laban 2020
RichDance 2019
Step Around Town 2019
Havering Dance Festival 2019
U.Dance Regional Platform at Laban 2018 (shortlisted for National Platform)
RichDance 2018
Ignition Festival 2017
U.Dance Regional Platform at Laban 2016
Rosie Copp
Trinity Laban graduate
BA (Hons) in Dance Performance
Sonny McCook
Trinity Laban graduate
BA (Hons) in Dance Performance
Rhianon Browne
Trinity Laban graduate
BA (Hons) in Dance Performance
Lucas Watson
attending London Contemporary Dance School studying BA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance
Jess Hilder-Bailey
attending Manchester University
BA (Hons) in Dance and Performance
Sarah Poekert
Artistic Director & Teacher
Sarah Poekert founded Thrive Youth Dance Company in 2015 after working for several years teaching the GCSE Dance and seeing so many talented young people coming through the program. She felt there was a need for more pre vocational classes in North London where young people could continue their study of dance and choreography in a creative and supportive environment.
Sarah moved to London after graduating from Roger Williams University in America gaining a BA (Hons) in Dance Performance and Psychology. She continued her studies here in London and gained a Diploma in Dance Studies and an MA in Creative Practice from Trinity Laban. Sarah has performed for Lizzie Kew-Ross, Armadillo Dance Project, Shunt, Melissa Booth, and the Non-Applicables. She has also had her choreography shown at The Place, Ugly Duck, RichMix, Trinity Laban, The Point, Shunt Lounge, the Brick Box, and Trispace Gallery. Currently Sarah teaches meditation and danced-based mat classes for adults, contemporary dance and creative movement for the Royal Academy of Dance, is the Head of Dance at Beatrix Potter Primary School, and is a Dance Artist at Siobhan Davies Dance. Sarah also works as a guest teacher for Roger Williams University and Middlesex University.
