Dance group Diversity helps get the nation moving

Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity are joining forces with the Department of Health to launch a Government campaign to get kids boogying for a healthier future across the country.

The ‘Let’s Dance with Change4Life’ campaign will see the whole nation getting down with free taster dance classes across the country.

Kids will have the chance to win a dance workshop with Diversity, as well as opening up free dance classes to everyone for the first ever national weekend of dance in March, sponsored by Change4Life partner, the Fitness Industry Association.

‘Let’s Dance with Change4Life’ is the latest part of the Change4Life movement aimed at getting families in England eating well, moving more and living longer.

Public Health Minister, Gillian Merron said: “Dancing is one of the most enjoyable ways for families to get active and stay healthy. Too many young people aren’t active for the sixty minutes they need each day, which puts them at risk of developing cancer, type 2 diabetes or heart disease when they grow up.”

The Let’s Dance with Change4Life and Diversity competition asks 5 to 12-year-olds to recreate one of three dance routines choreographed by the 11-strong street dance group Diversity.

Kids across the UK will be copying the group’s moves from an online guide. To enter the competition they simply need to film and upload their dance routines on www.change4life.com/dance.

Diversity will then choose their favourite entry who will join them for an exclusive dance workshop and win tickets to their tour. Tickets and merchandise are also up for grabs for runners up. The best videos will be showcased on the Change4Life YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/letsdance

Ashley Banjo, lead choreographer for Diversity and judge on Sky 1’s ‘Got To Dance’ said: “We are very excited about launching ‘Let’s Dance with Change4Life’.

“Dance has been such an important part of all our lives - it’s a great way to keep fit, burn energy and have fun with your friends and family.”

Thirteen-year-old Diversity member, Perry said: “I absolutely love to dance. I think it is a really fun way to keep active and has helped me make lots of friends.

“‘Let’s Dance with Change4Life’ is a really great way for kids to have a go at some of our moves.”

The Let’s Dance with Change4Life national free weekend of dance will take place in the first weekend in March. For two days, dance schools across the country will open their doors to families and give taster sessions so they can try a new type of dance for free.

David Stalker, Executive Director of the Fitness Industry Association said: “Dancing your way to fitness is fun and ideal for people of all ages and abilities. That is why over 1,000 Fitness Industry Association gyms and leisure centres nationwide have already declared their support for this initiative. Our aim is to get the nation moving and their feet tapping.”

Let’s Dance with Change4Life follows on from the success of Swim4Life, Walk4Life and Bike4Life which last year helped thousands of families to splash, stroll and cycle their way to more active, healthier lives.