Held at East Grinstead Sports Club, HerMove brought women and girls of all ages together to celebrate movement and confidence; all while breaking down the barriers for female participation in sport and physical activity.
With backing from Dame Kelly Holmes and Sally Gunnell OBE, HerMove was full of energy, positivity, and community spirit with opportunities for participants to try team sports, fitness sessions and of course, Urban City’s open Commercial Street Dance workshops- there was something for everyone to join in on.
What made the day so special was seeing how quickly people connected not just through dance, but through confidence, encouragement, and joy. Some participants were trying street dance for the first time while others came to share their love of movement.
The statistics show why events like this are so important:
- 43% of girls who were sporty in primary school quit by their late teens.
- 70% stop taking part due to body image worries or kit concerns.
- Only 7% of women over 30 play team sport.
These figures highlight just how many girls and women are missing out on the physical, mental and social benefits that come from movement.
The Impact of Dance: Voices from Our Community
Students and families from Urban City Dance have seen first-hand how dance builds skills that go far beyond the studio:
“In the 10 years Emily danced with Urban City not only did they teach her how to dance and follow choreography but so many life skills that she has taken with her. The confidence to take on anything that is thrown at her, how important it is to support others, how to work with different ages well. Urban City will always have a special place in our heart.” – Parent of ex-student
“My daughter joined Urban City at age 9, initially feeling very nervous before her first class. However, she was welcomed so warmly that she came home absolutely buzzing with excitement! After around two years of weekly classes, she was invited to join the newly formed troupe DVSN. This opened up incredible opportunities, from taking part in a music video to competing in dance competitions and performing in front of thousands. Through it all, she developed discipline, resilience and a strong sense of commitment, all while building her confidence… Urban City helped her grow not only as a dancer but as a person.” – Parent of current student
For many of their dancers, classes are about more than learning choreography – they’re a space to feel seen and supported:
“Dance isn’t just about moves for me – it’s where I can be myself. Every class is like an escape where I get to let go, express how I feel, and just enjoy the music. It’s given me so much confidence and helped me figure out who I am. Plus, I’ve made amazing friends and memories that I’ll always carry with me.” – Current student
These stories echo exactly what HerMove is striving for: building environments where girls and women can feel confident, capable, and connected. We were honoured to be part of such an inspiring day and to share the joy of dance with so many amazing participants.
Here’s to keeping the movement going both in the studio and beyond.
Photo credit: HerMove & Ellie Schuetze Photography (www.ellieschuetzephoto.com)