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Dance Crews

Photo © Brian, Finally Shoots

14 years of changing lives through dance

Let your moves
do the talking!

Fun, friendly street dance in Barking & Dagenham for ages 5 to adult. Run by the community, for the community, since 2012.

Classes & Programmes
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Our story
Watch the full Carnival set

14

years of Friday-night fun

4,000+

people who've benefited from dance with us

120+

times on stage

42+

amazing collaborations

WE'VE COLLABORATED WITH

Nike AS SEEN INJD Sports London Youth Games Barking & Dagenham Council Barking & Dagenham College Studio 3 Arts Box Up Crime CleanupUK United Living Sturdy Off

Partner with KDC →

KDC dancers holding their certificates and medals on stage

Photo © Brian, Finally Shoots

OUR MISSION

Born in Barking, built by our community

To give people aged 5 to adult in Barking & Dagenham, especially those from under-represented communities, a safe and welcoming space to express themselves through dance, showcase their talent and build confidence, friendships and futures.

Elvire grew up on the Gascoigne estate, where crime was high and safe spaces for young people were hard to find. At 14, with the help of The Salvation Army, she started leading dance sessions with her sister Charlelie (CiiCii). Fourteen years on, over 4,000 people have benefited from dance with KDC through our weekly classes, free workshops and masterclasses, school sessions, holiday camps, shows and community events. Dance with us improves physical and mental health and reduces social isolation, something our community has needed more than ever since lockdown.

Read our story

MOVEMENT · WELLBEING · LEADERSHIP

Dance is physical activity

At KDC, dance is a fun way to get active. It keeps bodies moving, supports mental health and grows the next generation of local leaders.

Physical activity

Every session gets people aged 5 to adult moving: building fitness, strength, coordination and healthy habits that last.

Mental health & wellbeing

Dance builds confidence, eases stress and reduces social isolation, giving people a safe place to belong.

Youth leadership

Young people train as leaders: teaching, choreographing and supporting younger dancers, with free DBS, first aid and safeguarding training.

OUR SOCIAL VALUE

More than a dance class

KDC is more than a dance class. Every year we create paid work, training and opportunities for local people, keeping talent and investment in Barking & Dagenham.

25+

local teachers, choreographers and creatives paid

12+

young leaders trained and upskilled

JD Sports & ITV1

professional and paid opportunities for our dancers

See all our social value

WHY FAMILIES LOVE KONVERSE

So much more than dance moves

Dancers performing with full focus at the showcase

Grow in confidence

Dancers create their own routines and perform for family, friends and real audiences.

A young dancer smiling mid-routine

Stay active, feel good

A weekly workout that doesn't feel like one, and a happy space to unwind.

A KDC leader dancing alongside the younger crew

Learn skills for life

Teamwork, focus and leadership. Older members help teach the younger groups.

Kids crew proudly holding their certificates

Celebrate together

Celebrate every win with your new friends and dance family, in a welcoming space where everyone can be themselves.

DBS-checked teachers

First-aid trained

Safeguarding trained

Safeguarding in Sport

Qualified chaperones

10 mins from Barking station

TESTIMONIALS

Hear what people have to say

"The biggest highlight has been watching my daughter's confidence skyrocket. Seeing her overcome her nerves, step onto the stage with a huge smile, and perform proudly in front of an audience has been an unforgettable experience."
Parent of a dancer aged under 8
"The teachers go out of their way to be incredible role models to us young people. They always uplift everyone and are like a ray of sunshine when you enter the door."
Dancer, aged 16–18
"She was really shy at first and she has now bloomed like a beautiful flower."
Parent of a dancer aged 8–11
"It's helped me cope with my mental health struggles, given me confidence, and helped me build friendships I wouldn't have anywhere else."
Adult dancer, 19+

Photo © UKON Careers / Trinis in London

Proud to be recognised

The National Lottery Special Game Changer Award

Winner, 2024

The Power of a Woman Awards

Leadership Excellence finalist, 2026

London Sport Awards

Inspirational Young Person of the Year finalist, 2021

LBBD Women's Empowerment Awards

Young Woman of the Year winner, 2020

The Faith & Belief Forum

'Recognised Project' honour for Konverse Dance Crews, 2019

See all our awards and achievements

OUR CLASSES

Ready to move?

Mainly street dance, and we touch on other styles too. Every Friday in term time at our Barking studio. Just £25 a month, and every crew gets to perform in our shows!

All our crews are full and our waitlist is closed for now. Follow us on Instagram to hear first when sign-ups reopen!

Kids

Ages 5–9 · Fri 5:30–7pm

Fun, high-energy classes where little movers make new friends and learn their first routines.

Waitlist closed

Juniors

Ages 10–13 · Fri 5:30–7pm

Have fun, make new friends and grow your moves and confidence every week.

Waitlist closed

Elite

Ages 14–18 · Fri 6:30–8pm

For dancers ready to be challenged: tougher choreography that pushes your skills to the next level.

Waitlist closed

Adults

Ages 19+ · Fri 5:30–7pm

Parents and grown-ups welcome. Zero experience, all of the fun.

Waitlist closed

Questions about classes? Email us

"KDC has shown me that age doesn't define what you're capable of. At 43 years old, I have achieved things I never imagined I would do."
Adult dancer, 30+

FREE & SUBSIDISED PROGRAMMES

Affordable dance for everyone

Funded by The National Lottery and People's Postcode Lottery, our programmes bring free and low-cost masterclasses, dance days and leader training to local people.

See our programmes
The Last Dance poster: a Konverse Dance Crews production celebrating 14 years, Sunday 1 November 2026

Our latest production

The Last Dance

Celebrating 14 years of Konverse Dance Crews

Sunday 1 November 2026 at Langdon Park, London E14. Kids, Juniors, Elite and Adults took to the stage to celebrate 14 years of dance, friendship and community.

See all our shows Watch the highlights