A SUMMER dance project is encouraging children to break out of boredom and step into break dancing.

A pilot project called Hip Hop Dance is running through the summer holiday at Centre Fitness gym, Shepherd Street.

Hip Hop star Banksy, who has won an MTV Dance Award, is heading the month long project.

If it proves popular, then it is hoped the project will continue into the school term as an after school activity.

Terry Gaze, manager of Centre Fitness, said: “We’re running these classes in an attempt to encourage the youngsters of Swindon to do something constructive with their time rather than hanging on street corners.

“We’ve got Banksy who is quite a well known dancer around Swindon and he’s offered to do these classes for the kids.

“We could even possibly extend this project for after summer too. “There are an awful lot of kids who come out of schools who go home on their own and are looking for something to do.

“We feel it could become a quite good activity for them. “We’re trying to cover a broad age range. The first is aimed at the eight to10 years of age range, and our second class is for those aged 11 upwards.’’ There’s no age limit – middle-aged teenagers are also welcome to join if they want to!

The fitness centre has a studio hall which can accommodate between twenty and forty people.

“We allow Swindon College to use our gym and they’re lovely kids,’’ said Terry. “They come here to train, are very respectful and really enjoy it. They are not the thugs that many people seem to brand them.

“I personally feel quite strongly about providing facilities for children and young people.”

The project will initially run until August 26. The costs is £4 per class with £1 discount if two classes are booked at the same time. Freestyle classes are £2.50 For more information about the summer programme, contact Centre Fitness on (01793) 497123.

Why Banksy is top of the hip hops
RICHARD “Banksy” Banks has impeccable dance credentials.

His professional credits include George Michael’s Spinning the Wheel video and an appearance with the star at the MTV Awards, together with a Mark Morrison video and a Top of the Pops appearance.

His talent is matched only by his wish to pass his enthusiasm on to others.

Banksy is widely regarded as the dancer who brought hip hop to Swindon.

He is one of many professionals whose early experience included membership of Swindon Dance.

For nearly 30 years, Swindon Dance has been a major national force in dance training and performance.

Based at the former town hall building at the top of Regent Circus, this independent charitable trust offers everything from classes for all to special training for professionals.

Its regular performances are a favourite part of the local arts scene, and members have gone on to enjoy success with professional companies throughout the world.

Swindon Dance can be reached on 01793 601700 and via www.swindondance.org.uk.