Funding from Wandsworth Council London Borough of Culture programme supported young people at Roehampton Base Youth Club to explore their cultural heritage through fashion, photography and dance.
Activities included researching and designing fashion pieces inspired by each young person’s country of origin, as well as weekly dance lessons with a tutor from The Royal Academy of Dance, to develop their skills and performance routine. This culminated in a fashion show and showcase on Saturday 13th December.
Throughout the twelve weeks of planning and rehearsals, and the final performance, participants were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and express themselves creatively. Roehampton Base youth leads noted that one of the most positive outcomes from the project was the boost in self-confidence. Many of the young people felt nervous about walking the runway in front of their parents and peers, however support and encouragement from the stylist reassured them, in addition to having the opportunity to learn to sew and create a costume they could be proud of.
The event also helped young people develop communication skills, working together to prepare the outfits practice routines, and receiving applause and positive feedback from the audience reinforced their sense of achievement and self-worth.
Watch this space for more creatively inspired activities at Roehampton Base!
