Dance Action Zone Leeds

Dance Action Zone Leeds was established in 2000 and funded by the Health Action Zone. Initially the project provided an alternative physical activity option for young women in deprived areas of South Leeds who were not engaging in more traditional sports or school PE lessons. Recognised as an innovation in Public Health by the Chief Medical Officer, DAZL became a Registered Charity in 2004 supported by Leeds NHS and now Leeds City Council Public Health Department. DAZL has grown significantly, expanding to develop new projects and initiatives in targeted areas, and the programme is part of the Childhood Obesity Strategy for Leeds with particular focus on the government's "Choosing Health; Choosing Activity" agenda and the Public Service Agreement (PSA) target to reduce children's obesity levels.

In 2008 DAZL were awarded "Highly Commended" at the Health Service Journal Awards. 2010 won "community organisations of the year" at 2010 Community Awards, In September 2012 DAZL moved into a new office base at Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre in Middleton where they have access to amazing facilities to run some of their community development dance programmes, but works peripatetically in the communities it serves. In 2014 DAZL won Best Overall Contribution to Child Friendly Leeds at The Child Friendly Leeds Awards and Received an Excellence In Public Health Award 2016.

DAZL uses community development principals and practice along with high quality dance to deliver health outputs. We rely on grant income as well as a discreet level of social enterprise in order to ensure we can continue to work towards our charitable aims. DAZL starts where children and young people are at and responding to the need of the local community. By offering fun, relevant and accessible dance opportunities our primary aim is to improve health and wellbeing for disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people age 3-25 years in Leeds. We provide year round opportunities that meet young people and the local communities needs.

The DAZL Model

1. Participation - Engaging inactive children and young people through high quality dance as physical activity

2. Community Leadership - Engaging and empowering local people/ communities

3. Partnerships - Supporting and delivering the wider health/ social care agenda

4. Artistic Development & Progression Support - Developing and nurturing new & existing local talent

5. Celebrating Communities & Performance Opportunities - bringing the whole community together and championing positive achievements