The JRF dance group were the pride of everyone at the Foundation when they were asked to perform at the Pride of Brent Youth Awards 2021 Ceremony in August.
After hours of dance rehearsals in preparation for the community event the group put on a brilliant performance that thrilled the audience of Councillors, local people and organisations.
The Pride of Brent Youth Awards organised by Brent Council, “is about recognising and celebrating the outstanding achievements of the brilliant young people in our borough, and to celebrate those who have gone above and beyond to help their local community and support others in 2020-2021.” In 2020 the Jason Roberts Foundation was honoured to be nominated as one of the community groups that had been recognised for supporting the Brent community through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Shaq, the young pioneer leading the dance group had only recently started delivering dance coaching sessions with the JRF to develop young people in dance, expression, and movement, before the first National lockdown in March 2020. As restrictions gradually eased Shaq retained his regular Friday evening session, though online rather than in person. His dedication in delivering these dance classes via Zoom enabled Brent residents to keep fit and active during time spent at home.
The performance at Brent Town Hall was a great success and helped to make the Awards Ceremony a truly memorable occasion, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the organisers, and those working behind the scenes.
Patience one of the performers said, ‘At JRF we do sport, education, media, dance and pathways to employment. I take part in everything because opportunities in life sometimes are too good to miss.’
Shaquille, the dance group’s leader, added ‘ A lot of dancers were initially shy when the Friday sessions first started. But when we were told we had been chosen to perform at the ceremony it gave everyone a focus and helped to inspire them to believe that they had the ability to perform under pressure but still enjoy it. That’s exactly what they did and I’m so proud of them.’
The JRF Team couldn’t agree more.
A video of the performance can be viewed here https://vimeo.com/605429434
Shaq’s dance sessions are run on Friday’s starting at 7pm from the JRF Bridgestone Arena site.
