dance giants
Welcome to Dance Giants
Empowering Young People Across Haringey and Enfield Through Dance and Mentoring
Dance Giants is an energetic, life-changing programme created by Streetz Ahead, a youth dance charity that’s been transforming lives since 1995. Founded by Elizabeth Lahav, the charity uses street dance, mentoring, and learning through play to break down barriers and give young people tools to thrive.
Currently active in 17 schools across Haringey and Enfield, Dance Giants reaches over 420 children each week. The programme is proudly funded by the Mayor of London, the Big Lottery, and Horizons, ensuring young people—especially those facing exclusion, disadvantage, or emotional challenges—can access the arts, build confidence, and develop vital life skills.
Every child receives a Dance Giants Passport—a personalised journal where they track their dance progress, emotional reflections, and personal development. Sessions are led by professional dancers and supported by mentors who create safe, structured environments where young people are empowered to grow, move, and shine.
Newsletters
The Dance –
At the heart of Dance Giants is our commitment to authentic street dance training. Each week, children learn the foundational techniques of hip hop, locking, house, afro, and dancehall, mastering both choreography and freestyle in a high-energy, supportive space.
Our approach encourages every child to express themselves through movement, while developing strength, coordination, and rhythm. Led by experienced dancers who understand both technique and youth engagement, our sessions are more than just dance classes—they’re opportunities to grow in confidence, challenge limits, and feel proud of what they can achieve.
Mentoring & Learning Through Play
Every Dance Giants session blends movement with meaningful mentorship. Each child has a Dance Giants Passport, where they track their emotional needs, physical goals, and use the Zones of Regulation to reflect on how they’re feeling.
Through learning through play, children explore themes like teamwork, trust, independence, and self-awareness. Whether through carefully designed games or one-on-one discussions, our mentoring builds resilience, self-discipline, and emotional intelligence—giving young people the tools they need to focus, connect, and thrive both inside and outside the studio.
Celebrating Their Voice – Giant Speakers
Every year, our young people take centre stage in dynamic Dance Giants shows—performing at major theatres such as Millfield Theatre and The Bernie Grant Arts Centre. These performances are powerful moments of celebration where families, schools, and communities come together to witness the creativity and courage of our dancers.
And the young people don’t just perform—they lead.
Each school selects two students to become “Giant Speakers”—youth ambassadors who represent their peers, share ideas, and help shape the future of the programme. These young leaders take part in steering groups with parents, teachers, and headteachers, giving direct feedback on how Dance Giants can evolve, adapt, and continue to make a difference.
What People Say
“Dance Giants has helped my child lower her anxiety, and I’m forever grateful.”
— Parent of a Dance Giants student
“Dance Giants is a safe space where I can express how I feel.”
— Dance Giants participant
“You clearly care about what you do, and I love that it’s so inclusive—you balance high standards without excluding anyone.”
— Parent of a Dance Giants student
“DG is a very good friendly environment for others who enjoy dancing. It helps others with their own confidence.”
–Dance Giants participant
“Dance giants is the best because it helps to get engaged with my learning” – Dance Giants participant
“DG has had a huge positive impact on ….. confidence and collaboration skills” — Parent of a Dance Giants student
