01.08.2006
Kick-Start, the university's all male dance company are taking part in a month long tour of New Zealand starting on 11 September.
The eight strong group are all accomplished sportsmen and include two rugby players, an ex-national swimmer and a karate expert.
The group will teach dance workshops, attend PE classes with university students and school pupils as well as put on performances. Fiona Smith, Principal Lecturer at the university and Graham Spacey, Research Assistant will accompany the students throughout their visit.
The students are all studying to become PE teachers and were selected for their sporting aptitude to join the company.
Fiona who launched Kick-Start in 1999 said: "The growing reputation of the dance group means that students are very keen to join Kick-Start."
The initiative aims to encourage male PE students to take up the challenge of performing and teaching dance. The group also tours all over the country, visiting schools and encouraging boys and young men to participate in dance.
Fiona continued: "The group produces a programme of work, which includes a range of dances for different ages of children. It is specifically designed for schools; we perform a show and then teach the students the moves afterwards."
The tour will be visiting three universities and the group will work closely with university staff and students to promote dance through performances and workshops.
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
