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People Dancing Summer Programme 2026

Tuesday 21 - Thursday 23 July 2026, De Montfort University, Leicester

Join us for one, two or three inspiring days of learning, creativity, and connection at De Montfort University this July

Experience a vibrant celebration of community dance as this much-loved event returns with a fresh new name! Learn from some of the UK’s - and the world’s - most respected leaders in community dance through workshops crafted to inspire new ideas, strengthen your skills, and invigorate your practice.


Whether you want to refine your skills or spark new ideas, there’s something here to elevate your work.

Each day begins with registration from 9-10.00am, alongside optional warm-ups, 9-9.45am followed by workshops from 10.00am-5.30pm, giving you a full day of creativity, learning, and connection. Start your mornings with uplifting optional warm-ups led by celebrated African Holistic Dance practitioner Sandra Golding, and unwind with optional guided meditation cool-downs. After a fulfilling day, you can also stay to enjoy a relaxed drinks reception - the perfect opportunity to reflect, share ideas, and build meaningful connections with fellow attendees.

Explore the daily workshop programme below and apply today!

Advanced Practice Lab: Dancing with Parkinson’s, with David Leventhal, Program Director and Founding Teacher, Dance for PD®

Participants can book one, two, or three days. 

Tuesday 21 July - Current Issues in Dancing with Parkinson’s

A reflective, discussion-based day examining emerging research, access and inclusion, artistic integrity, cultural responsiveness, and the evolving role of Dance for Parkinson’s within arts and health.

Wednesday 22 July - Creative Sourcing & Structure

A practical day focused on where engaging, stimulating movement material comes from, exploring musicality, class themes, repertory, storytelling, and inter-arts approaches through an accessibility-led lens.

Thursday 23 July - Improvisation, Co-Creation, and Exchange

A studio-based day investigating accessible improvisation and co-creative models, including an activity exchange and shared practice with people with lived experience of Parkinson’s.

> Find out more

NYB All In! Introduction to Accessible Ballet Practices, with National Youth Ballet


Tuesday 21 July

Are you a contemporary dance practitioner wanting to widen your skills and introduce ballet to a group for the first time? Or are you seeking to find creative new ways to include physically disabled dancers, dancers with a learning disability or dancers with a neurodivergence into your classes? Then this workshop is for you!

> Find out more

Producing, Co-creation & Inclusion in Performance for Children, with Second Hand Dance


Wednesday 22 July

Are you a facilitator working in participatory practice who wants to make your work more inclusive for neurodivergent and disabled children? Discover how Second Hand Dance creates spaces where children are free to explore, choose how they engage, and even turn the rules of performance upside down.

> Find out more

Caring Cultures in Dance, with Dancers' Career Development & One Dance UK


Wednesday 22 July

In the rush of everyday life, wellbeing is often the first thing we put on hold. Delivered by Dancers' Career Development & One Dance UK, you will be guided on a supportive, practical, and empowering journey, unlocking the potential for greater care of self and others. Our inspirational speakers will help you feel more balanced, resilient, and reconnected to yourself. Open to all, this day of presentations followed by a panel discussion, is an invitation to be curious about your sensing, knowing body.

> Find out more

Safer Community Dance Practice, with Charlotte Tomlinson


Thursday 23 July

Whatever your dance style may be, this workshop will give you the knowledge to be able to successfully integrate and manage health and safety principles that are relevant to community and participatory dance practice. The day explores different and up-to-date approaches with practical time for questions and discussion.

> Find out more

Warm-ups and Cool-down Meditations, with Sandra Golding


Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 July

To support your well-being, we are delighted to offer the option to start or end your days with energising warm-ups and reflective cool-down mediations led by celebrated African Holistic Dance practitioner, Sandra Golding.

> Find out more 
Prices and Application Process

Early Bird Prices - until 14 May


One Day:

People Dancing Members: £100
Standard Price: £135


Two Days:

People Dancing Members: £190
Standard Price: £260


Three Days:

People Dancing Members: £270
Standard Price: £375


Caring Cultures in Dance 22 July, only:

Price: £35

Prices - from 15 May


One Day:

People Dancing Members: £115
Standard Price: £155


Two Days:

People Dancing Members: £220
Standard Price: £300


Three Days:

People Dancing Members: £315
Standard Price: £435


Caring Cultures in Dance 22 July, only:

Price: £35

How to Apply

  1. Choose which workshop you would like to attend each day and complete the online application form. At this stage, a deposit of £35 per workshop is required to secure your place
  2. Our Programme Team will read your application and will be in touch with you within 7 working days
  3. Following approval of your application, a payment link to settle the balance will be sent to you. The balance is due before 22 June 2026 and payment confirms your place. The deposit is non-refundable
  4. If your application is unsuccessful your deposit will be refunded.

Choose your workshops and apply here

Membership of People Dancing

People Dancing Members enjoy a reduced rate on all tickets and online courses. Click here to find out how to join and enjoy a host of Member-only benefits.

Additional Information

Access and Inclusion

Our Summer Programme aims to be welcoming and inclusive. We seek the same information from all participants and invite individual comment about access needs and preferences.

  • Throughout the workshops and events at De Montfort University there will be various quiet spaces available should you need to take a break, rest, use your laptop or have some reflective time
  • If you have any access needs or barriers to attend please apply no later than 15 July so that we can aim to meet your access requirements. Applications after this time may mean that access needs cannot be fully met. For any specific access enquiries email emma@communitydance.org.uk
  • If you are unsure of what workshop to choose or wish to find out more about any of the Summer Programme, please contact our Programme Engagement Officer, Emma Baxter, emma@communitydance.org.uk, who will be happy to assist
  • If you need an alternative method of booking and paying please call us on 0116 253 5453 or email info@communitydance.org.uk.

Accommodation

We have partnered with The Gresham Aparthotel to offer all participants attending the Summer Programme a discounted rate of £82.00 per room and £94.00 with breakfast included. To take advantage of this offer, please contact the hotel directly via email: dominique@thegreshamaparthotel.com or call 0116 243 7666 and quote the discount code: GA000411.

For alternative options to suit all budgets, go to the Visit Leicester Tourist information website. This offers suggestions on where to eat, shop and park during your time in Leicester. 

FAQs

Where is the Summer Programme taking place? 

The Summer Programme is taking place at PACE Building, De Montfort University, Richmond Street, Leicester, LE2 7GZ.

On the University website, there is more detailed information about the campus: www.dmu.ac.uk/content/discover-dmu

Can I park on site at the university?

There is no parking at PACE building, unless you require a Blue Badge parking space. If you have access requirements and need a Blue Badge space arranged on site, please let Emma Baxter know emma@communitydance.org.uk so she can book this for you.

Please do not contact the University directly - all parking enquiries can be answered by Emma. 

The nearest car park to the venue is Newarke Street, LE1 5SN. This is a council operated multi storey, very close the University. Payment can be made by card, cash and contactless. It is £12 for up to 12 hours. For more information on Leicester car parks check the Leicester City Council website

How do I get to the venue?

  • Train: Leicester Railway Station is a 15 journey away from the De Montfort University campus. The station is served by East Midlands Railway and CrossCountry trains and provides good train links to surrounding cities and towns.
  • Bus: Leicester has good bus links and is served by three main bus companies: Arriva, First and Centrebus. All buses now provide a Tap On, Tap Off service with your contactless payment card.
  • Taxi: Hackney carriages are available at designated taxi ranks across the city such as at the train station. There are also a number of private hire taxi services available in the city. Uber also operates in Leicester. Fosse Taxis – 0116 232 2222. Kirby Taxis – 0116 298 9898.

What times do the workshops run? 

Registration from 9-10.00am alongside warm-ups from 9-9.45am. Following registration our mezzanine level is open for you to grab a tea or coffee before the workshops begin at 10.00am. Our workshops run throughout the day, with regular comfort breaks and will finish at 5.30pm.

FAQs

What should I wear?

We want you to be as comfortable as possible and be able to move/dance in practical sessions so please dress in a manner appropriate to the workshops you are attending. No outdoor shoes are permitted in the studios, so be prepared to work barefoot or bring alternative footwear.

Are refreshments provided? 

Tea, coffee and water will be provided all day on the Mezzanine level. 

Lunch will be provided for all who attend. When making your applications, please indicate any dietary requirements. We aim to provide a selection of lunch options suitable for everyone, and will cater to allergies as requested. Please detail your specific needs in the application form. If you would prefer to arrange your own lunch, there will be some food outlets open on campus for barista style coffee and sandwiches. Alternatively the city centre is a short distance away where you will find plenty of food options. 

What should I bring with me?

Please bring the following:

  • Notepad/pen/device to be able to take notes
  • A water bottle that closes to be able to take into the studio (no glass!)
  • Some workshops may have specific requests to bring something with you, so make sure you check your emails closer to July.

Are there any warm-ups in the morning before the workshops start?

We are delighted to offer the option to start your days with energising warm-ups led by celebrated African Holistic Dance practitioner, Sandra Golding on Wednesday and Thursday 9.00-9.45am.

Are there any activities running in the evening after the workshops? 

On Tuesday and Wednesday evening, there will be a short drinks reception and chance to network from 5.30-6.45pm. Sandra Golding will be also running an optional short meditation cool-down from 5.30-5.45pm on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

What should I do if I need to cancel my place?

Please read the Cancellation Policy detailed below. 

Cancellation Policy

Bookings for the Summer Programme are non-transferable. Only the individual registered under a specific name may attend. Substitutions or name changes are not permitted without prior agreement.

If you are unable to attend, you may request a refund in writing to the Programme Engagement Officer via email: emma@communitydance.org.uk.

Refunds will be issued according to the schedule below:

  • More than 60 days before the first day of the Summer Programme: Full refund, minus the non-refundable deposit of £35
  • 30–60 days before the workshop start date: 50% refund of the full amount paid, minus the non-refundable deposit of £35
  • Less than 30 days before the workshop start date: No refunds will be issued.

Once approved, refunds will be processed within 10 days of the request and will take a further 3-5 days to appear in your bank account. Any refund can only be processed to your original payment method.

How do I request a refund?

  • Email Emma Baxter – emma@communitydance.org.uk with your name, booking number and date and the reasons for requesting a refund
  • If requests for refunds come in with less than 30 days' notice, these will be considered in exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis
  • If your refund is approved, this will be processed in accordance with the schedule listed above, within 10 days of approval. An email will be sent to let you know the outcome of your request.

Event Cancellation or Postponement

In the unlikely event that the Summer Programme is cancelled or postponed due to circumstances beyond the organisers’ control (such as natural disasters, strikes, or public health emergencies), all registration fees will be either:

  • Transferred to a rescheduled date, or
  • refunded in full, minus any unavoidable administrative costs.

People Dancing are not responsible for any travel, accommodation, or other expenses incurred by participants in connection with the Summer Programme.

     

Top of page image credits - Left: David Leventhal. Photo: Rachel Cherry; Centre: NYB All In! Company in class. Photo: Jules Renahan; Right: The Sticky Dance. Photo: Zoe Manders.