Episodes
We Are England Our Derby Dance School: What Happened Next ( Monday 16 January 2023)
Today Monday 16 January 2023, there is a new episode of We Are England.
Our Derby Dance School: What Happened Next Nadia Jane began her training in the performing arts when she was just three years old. It formed who she is, gave her confidence, and kept her out of danger. At the young age of 19, she opened her own dance school in a Derby church hall, expecting no one to show up.
Now, 20 years later, Nadia has a studio of her own, with a hundred students and five instructors (including her brother and mother). Many of the children consider the school and Nadia to be their second families; they even refer to her as “dancing mum.”
Many kids wouldn’t have had anyone to talk to about their struggles in life if it weren’t for the school. Evalynn, who is now 13, says that the school is making a big difference in her life. Upon entering high school, she was informed that she had dyslexia.
Her mum, Amanda, was diagnosed with fibromyalgia not long after. Soon after, Evalynn enrolled in dance classes, which have since boosted her self-esteem and kept her anxieties at bay. Megan used to be a very gregarious person, but that all changed when she entered middle school and began to be the target of bullying both at school and online.
Megan gained both friends and self-assurance after enrolling in dancing classes. Megan immediately felt a connection to Evalynn after meeting her at school. They bonded deeply as friends and found solace in one another’s company during difficult times.
We check in with Nadia to learn about the school and its students’ progress six months after the original episode broadcast on BBC1 and iPlayer. Even more silverware has been accumulated, and one exceptional pupil has been awarded a scholarship to compete against the world’s best dancers.
The Youth Alliance has provided the necessary funding, so we visit one of Nadia’s weekly youth nights, which provide an incentive for the kids to get out of the house. Evalynn checks in to let us know how she’s doing.
Airdate: Monday 16 January 2023 at 20:30 on
Season 2023 Episode 12
Exploring the issues people care about, as told by them – from across England. It’s a reflection of the opinions and changing face of the nation.
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