Breaking stereotypes in Waltham Forest with hip hop dance classes

Saturday tea dance with a twist for L&Q residents of the Beaumont estate

Over the last two years, funding from our Foundation has supported a local group with its groundbreaking community initiative in Waltham Forest, east London.

Run by the Blair Academy, the weekly “Beaumont Crew” social club is bringing generations together through the power of hip-hop dance and music at The Seddon Centre on Beaumont housing estate.

The Blair Academy is a locally based social enterprise that encourages healthy, happy ageing through hip hop dance sessions in care and community settings.

They are renowned for their direct, positive way of challenging dated assumptions about how people should keep active as they grow older.

The Academy has tapped into the rich cultural diversity of older residents on the Beamont estate to deliver a lively, engaging dance programme until the end of May next year.

So far, over 75 residents have signed up to the social club where they come together for hip hop dance sessions followed by tea and biscuits.

The Blair Academy has created a safe, inclusive space where residents can get to know each other while focusing on their physical and mental wellbeing.

Open to all residents of Beaumont Estate and surrounding areas, the accessible and inclusive sessions include chair-based and standing options so people of all abilities can get involved.

Whether participants are interested in learning new hip hop dance moves, reminiscing over classic tracks, or simply catching up with neighbours over a cup of tea, the Beaumont Crew offers something for everyone.

"I didn’t know what was missing from my life until I started attending these sessions,” said Mae, a local resident. "It’s not often that we have spaces where young and old can come together and dance. I always look forward to coming here and leave feeling energised.”

Pearl, another group member, said:

“The moves are different to other classes. I go to different exercise classes, but this is my favourite” 

Andrea Isip, a Community Development Lead in the Foundation team, said:

“We’ve seen the hip hop sessions grow in popularity over the last two years to the point where they’re a highlight of the social calendar for many residents. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and it’s a great opportunity for people of all ages to come together. The Beaumont Crew truly is a success story in terms of fostering community cohesion.”

For more information on how to join the Beaumont Crew or support the initiative, please visit their website or contact Charlie by email.