News29th January 2025

Dame Darcey Bussell DBE attends dance showcase at Ark Tindal Primary Academy

Ark Tindal Primary Academy, in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, welcomed former ballerina and Strictly Come Dancing judge, Dame Darcey Bussell DBE, for a special dance showcase.

Ark Tindal Primary Academy

In this image

Dame Darcey Bussell DBE at Ark Tindal Primary Academy

Darcey is the founder of the national charity DDMIX Trust, which offers an inspiring dance programme for primary school PE, designed to get every child moving in every lesson. 

420 pupils at Ark Tindal have been taking part in the DDMIX Trust dance programme since September. 

Today’s event marked the launch of DDMIX Trust’s partnership with Place2Be and music charity Restore the Music – a unique collaboration to improve pupil wellbeing at schools across the UK. 

During Darcey’s visit she saw dance demonstrations of the Charleston, 1980s dance and African dance, took part in a Q&A with the children, and ran a dance demonstration with Year 5 pupils. 

Dame Darcey Bussell DBE said, “Dancing improves physical and mental health for all children. It increases the heart rate, mobilises all the joints, develops sensory awareness and raises mood levels. It improves coordination, balance, reaction time and physical strength.  

“In order for our society to have good physical and mental health, our children need to have a really positive attitude to being active from their earliest years, one that can stay with them for life. 

“This is why I devote myself to promoting dance in schools, by way of my own charity DDMIX Trust, but also through collaboration with other charities like Place2Be and Restore the Music.” 

Principal Hayley Francis said, “We have really enjoyed using the DDMIX Trust programme and we are thrilled to see how it has positively impacted our pupils at Tindal. Through the collaboration with Place2Be and Restore the Music, our pupils have not only developed their dance skills but also gained confidence, creativity, and a real sense of community. 

“The programme has significantly benefited the pupils’ mental and physical health, providing a safe space for them to express themselves through music and dance. It’s been wonderful to witness their growth and enthusiasm.” 

Ark Tindal pupils have enjoyed taking part in the DDMIX Trust programme. Yusuf said, “Participating in the DDMIX Trust programme has been amazing. I’ve never really danced before but I have learned so many new dance moves and it’s helped me feel more confident. It’s also a great way to stay active and have fun with my friends.” 

I have learned so many new dance moves and it’s helped me feel more confident.
_{Yusuf, Ark Tindal pupil}

And another pupil, Aaliyah, said, “I love the DDMIX Trust programme because it’s so much fun! You get to try out all kinds of dances, like the Charleston and 1960s moves. It’s like a big dance party where everyone can join in, no matter how good they are at dancing. Plus, it’s super exciting and makes me feel really happy. It’s the best way to stay active and move your body.” 

Catherine Roche, CEO of Place2Be, said, “The creative arts play such an important part in promoting and supporting good mental health and wellbeing. Research shows that dance enables space for creative expression, builds self-confidence and a sense of community. 

“We see this in Place2Be partner schools where dance, music and creative expression are central to a rich and inclusive curriculum. That’s why we are so pleased to support DDMIX Trust and the programme nationally.” 

Restore the Music CEO and Co-Founder Polly Stepan Moore said, “Restore the Music is committed to increasing access to music in the areas of greatest need and redress the huge gaps created by persistent cuts to music education, with the aim to unlock potential and enrich lives through the transformative power of music. 

“We are proud to be a founding member of this initiative, as we recognise that the provision of creative arts and physical activity have a massive impact on whole school attendance, engagement and attainment. We are delighted to partner with the DDMIX Trust and Place2Be to offer schools the resources to help students access pathways to a richer and more diverse range of learning and cross curricular opportunities. It’s wonderful to see the impact of the DDMIX Trust programme at Ark Tindal Primary, who we thank for hosting us today.” 

Sport England figures show that less than half of pupils aged between five and sixteen currently meet the medical officers’ guidelines of being physically active for an hour or more every day. For many children, PE is their only opportunity to exercise, so it is vital to make the range of activities available in schools as inclusive as possible.