Always on
This project successfully funded on 10th November 2025, you can still support them with a donation.
Support Bridport Dance Festival 2025
Bridport, Dorset, United Kingdom
Aim
BDF 2025 is set to be an unforgettable celebration of movement, music, and community—but we need your support to make it happen.
The Bridport Dance Festival is a brand-new celebration of movement, inclusivity, and community spirit. We aim to bring together dancers, artists, and the public in a joyful, multi-genre dance event that will ignite passion and connection through movement. With performances, workshops, and interactive experiences, this festival will be a dynamic, engaging, and an accessible experience for all.
We will host workshops and performances across multiple Bridport venues, featuring local, national, and international dance artists.
The festival will include:
- Workshops in various dance styles (ballet, tango, contemporary, hip-hop, circle dance, and more).
- Performances by renowned and emerging dancers.
- Inclusive activities for all ages and abilities, including seated dance and dance for well-being.
- Interactive experiences such as flash mobs, promenade performances, and a silent disco.
- Special events like “Tea & Tango” and environmental-themed performances.
Dance is a powerful tool for expression, connection, and well-being.
The Bridport Dance Festival will:
- Promote inclusivity by welcoming dancers of all abilities and ages.
- Foster creativity and expression through diverse dance styles and performances.
- Build community by bringing people together in a shared celebration of movement.
- Support mental and physical well-being through movement and a therapeutic approach to dance embedded in the festival ethos .
- Encourage environmental awareness by incorporating themes of nature and sustainability into performances.
Your support will help us cover essential costs, including:
- Artist Fees – Ensuring fair payment for professional dancers and workshop leaders.
- Venue Hire – Securing performance and workshop spaces.
- Production Costs – Stage management, sound, lighting, and film editing.
- Marketing & Outreach – Publicity, printing, and social media promotions.
Every donation helps us create an inclusive, inspiring festival that will leave a lasting impact!
Unlike other dance festivals, Bridport Dance Festival is designed to be fully inclusive. From professional dancers to complete beginners, everyone is invited to participate. Our vision is to create a truly immersive experience where the town becomes a stage and everyone is a dancer!
We are thrilled to welcome an incredible lineup of artists, including:
- Akash Odedra – Guest Performer (Little Murmur workshop & show at Bridport Art Centre)
- Nafisah Baba – Contemporary Dancer, BBC Young Dancer Winner 2017 (Workshops & Performances)
- Fiona Harvey – Former Royal Ballet Ballerina (Romeo & Juliet: Dance of the Knights)
- Tracey & Leo Acosta – Tango Performers & Workshop Leaders
- Vrushali Harihar – Classical Indian Dancer (Indian Fisherman’s Dance & Farmers’ Dance)
- Helen Fisher – Tap Dance teacher
- Eric Dell – Tango Instructor (Tango & Tea)
- Grace & Growl – Contemporary Dance for Over 50s Cate Field
- Bridport Youth Dance – Local young dancers showcasing their talent
This festival is a culmination of years of dedication to dance and movement in Bridport. Founder Carla Steenkamp Sheills has been a pioneer in inclusive dance education, establishing My Ballet in Bridport in 2010. After the viral success of the film Let Me Dance in 2015, Carla saw the potential for a festival that brings dance to the wider community. With the support of co-producer Nikki Northover, local dance professionals, and a dedicated team, this vision is becoming a reality.
Carla Steenkamp Sheills – Founder, Director, Producer
Nikki Northover – Co-Producer, Assistant Director
Helene Evans – Treasurer & Dancer
Chris Fogg – Trustee, Dramaturg
Margie Barbour – Trustee, Producer,dancer
Brooke Quintheros - Trustee and dancer
Activate – Supporting Partner
Bridport Art centre Supporting partner
By backing this project, you are supporting a network of artists, educators, and community members who believe in the power of dance to connect, heal, and uplift. We invite you to donate, participate, and share this campaign with others who believe in the joy of movement.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s dance together!
Find out more on our website and social media
www.bridportdancefestival.org.uk
Follow us on Facebook
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made