Devonshire Hill Children Shine at New Deal for Young People Celebration!

 

On Tuesday 7th October 2025, our Devonshire Hill students had an unforgettable experience performing at the New Deal for Young People celebration, held at the beautiful Grand Junction, Rowington Close, London, W2 5TF. This event marked the incredible achievement of delivering quality mentoring to over 100,000 young people through the Mayor of London’s initiative.

The atmosphere was electric from the moment we arrived, with young people, mentors, and organisations coming together to celebrate the impact of the programme and the opportunities it provides for London’s youth.

Highlights from the Day

Our Devonshire Hill children had just two sessions to rehearse their dance routine. They arrived on stage nervous, excited, and full of anticipation — but once the performance began, all their energy, hard work, and dedication shone through.

The moment they started performing, their smiles and vibrant energy lit up the room. The audience couldn’t help but get involved — clapping, cheering, and dancing along with them. Their professionalism, teamwork, and commitment were evident not only during the performance but throughout the whole day, including the journey to the venue.

For some children, this was their first time coming back from a trip that late in the evening, returning at 8pm for parents to collect them after a full day of school. It was an incredible learning experience, teaching them about professionalism, time management, and the dedication required in the performing arts. For those considering a future in dance, this event offered a glimpse into some of the realities of pursuing a career in the field.

It was also incredibly important for the children to hear how mentoring can make a real difference in young people’s lives. During the event, they listened to inspiring stories from those who had benefited from mentoring, learning how guidance, support, and positive role models can empower them to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. As Dance Giants is both a dance and mentoring programme, this connection between creative expression and personal growth resonated strongly with the students.

Why It Matters

This performance was more than just a dance — it was a celebration of resilience, dedication, and growth. The New Deal for Young People empowers London’s youth by providing mentoring, support, and opportunities to shine, and our students embodied that mission beautifully. Moments like these allow children to experience confidence, teamwork, and the joy of achieving something together on a big stage, while also understanding the real-life value of mentoring and the dedication required in a professional context.

Testimonials

“The energy and smiles from the children were contagious! I couldn’t be prouder of how they performed.” – Devonshire Hill Teacher

“It was amazing to see young people step out of their comfort zones and shine on stage.” – Event Attendee

“Hearing the mentoring stories alongside the performance showed the children how much their hard work and guidance can change lives.” – Mentor/Staff

“For some children, this was their first time coming back from a trip that late in the evening, and they handled it with professionalism and excitement — a truly inspiring day.” – Teacher/Staff

 

The New Deal for Young People celebration was a true testament to the power of hard work, dedication, resilience, and mentoring. Our Devonshire Hill students left the stage with heads held high, inspired not only by their performance but also by the stories of real-life impact. This event gave them a taste of what pursuing a career in dance could be like and showed the rewards of dedication and professionalism. We can’t wait to see them continue to grow, shine, and inspire in future performances and projects!