The YWCA Performing Arts Group was started by a group of young women at the YWCA who wanted to learn about all kinds of dancing.
They were supported by workers and volunteers at the YWCA, and formed their group "To experiment with all kinds of dance styles" in ways which were both old and new, but the main one is 'East meets West'"
They have received unconditional support from workers and volunteers at the YWCA, where they are based.
There are about 14 young women in the group and their performances so far have been staged across the Midlands.
In their travels, venues have included the Phoenix and Haymarket Theatres in Leicester, Loughborough Town Hall, Coventry, Nottingham, Bolton and Derby. They are also regular performers at the Melas and the Loughborough festivals Streets Alive, and Picnic in the Park.
They have also ben on MA TV which went down really well!
"It was recorded by the BBC last year and the whole of the Asian Community in Loughborough saw it!"
"We dance to classical, traditional western and eastern music, and fusion, and we also make and mix our own dance tracks."
The choreography is done by the group as well. "We all take turns in creating dances, and it is a collective process. Our starting point is decided from where we are going to perform first and we all bring in our own pieces of music and then pick the favourite, so it's a unanimous choice."
"Our costumes are chosen and designed in the same way - that's discussed with the youth workers, and we try to get the most appropriate designs that suit the venue, the music and the audience."
"A couple of us are keen to make a career out of dancing - it keeps us fit, supple and creatively coordinated! We learn about different dance styles from India, Africa, and France. We even learnt to do the Can Can properly!!"
"But most of all it's great fun and we meet in an invitng and comfortable environment."
"And it's open to any girls and young women aged 11-30!"
