14
years changing lives through dance
4,000+
people who've benefited from dance through our sessions, workshops, programmes, schools and camps
120+
performances
42+
collaborations
Elvire, our founder
Photo © Jeff Spicer / Getty Images for The National Lottery
HOW IT ALL STARTED
A 14-year-old with a big idea
Elvire Mavusi Matu grew up on the Gascoigne estate in Barking, where crime was high and safe spaces for young people were hard to find. Community centres were closing and there was nowhere positive to go. So in September 2012, aged just 14 and with the help of The Salvation Army in Barking, she started leading dance sessions with her sister Charlelie (CiiCii).
She named it KDC, because dance lets people "converse" and express themselves without saying a word. Fourteen years on, over 4,000 people have benefited through our weekly classes, free workshops and masterclasses, school sessions, holiday camps, shows and community events. Our dancers now teach classes, create shows, compete and lead the next generation.
Dance with us improves physical and mental health and reduces social isolation, something our community has needed more than ever since lockdown.
OUR MISSION
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.
Youth-led
Affordable
Safe and welcoming
Proudly local
OUR SOCIAL VALUE
Opening doors in our community
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 creatives paid
Paid work for local talent
Local teachers, choreographers, photographers and creatives are paid for their skills.
Real opportunities for dancers
From JD Sports' back-to-school campaign to performing live on ITV1, our dancers get professional and high-profile opportunities, including some paid campaigns.
Jobs and volunteering
Local people gain experience and employment as staff, chaperones, facilitators and volunteers.
12+leaders trained and upskilled
Upskilling young leaders
Free DBS, first aid and safeguarding training, and older dancers learning to lead and teach our younger crews.
Free and affordable dance
60+ community members have accessed free classes through our funded programmes, and low monthly fees keep dance open to everyone, whatever their background.
A stage to express and showcase
Through our shows, performances and competitions, people from under-represented communities get a platform to express themselves and showcase their talent.
IN THEIR WORDS
What KDC means to our family
"KDC means the world to me. It is my family, my community and my safe place."
"KDC is an inclusive space that sees you for yourself regardless of your background."
"They may just see it as getting the kids to push through a routine for the 5th time, even when they're tired. But what they've done is taught my child to lock in and not give up, even if things are tough."
"It has helped me make loads of friends and improve my dance skills. I believe in myself more because of KDC."
"It's so much more than a dance school. It's the highlight of her week. No matter how tired she is after school, she never wants to miss a class."
MEET THE CREW
The team behind the magic
"Teachers are great at listening to me. I feel like I have a voice. I feel heard."
Elvire
aka Elvs
Founder, Choreographer and Project Leader
Charlelie
aka CiiCii
Choreographer, Administrator and Director
Vanessa
aka Nessa
Safeguarding Lead and Director
Koby
aka Big Kobz
Choreographer and Sound Mixer
Malachi
aka Malachizzle
Choreographer and Creative Director
Vineece
aka VinVin
Admin Support and Choreographer
Doree
aka Dorz
Choreographer and Dancer
Belucha
aka Beast
Choreographer, Dancer and Young Leader
Kendice
aka KK
Choreographer and Dancer
Christabel
aka Chris
Chaperone and Facilitator
Noelly
aka Noela
Choreographer
Brian
Finally Shoots
Official Photographer and Dancer
Be part of the next chapter
Follow our journey, take part in a free programme, or help us keep dancing by raising free funds while you shop.