As a child, Elizabeth Lahav’s love for dance was almost overshadowed by the rigid structure of traditional classes. Her mum enrolled her in Mrs. Miller’s dance class, but Elizabeth couldn’t stand the leotards, the strict hairstyles, or the fact that only the “best” dancers got to stand at the front. Competitions, exams, and endless grading turned something she adored into a source of anxiety.

Years later, at 25, Elizabeth decided to create the dance environment she had always wanted as a child—one where creativity and self-expression mattered more than perfection. Starting small, she set up dance clubs in local church halls, with just six young people she met at a local youth club in Tottenham. It wasn’t long before their talents shone. Their performance at a showcase in Wood Green shopping mall caught the eye of the local press, who dubbed them “the stars of the show”. That’s when Elizabeth knew she was onto something special.

Her journey didn’t stop there. Despite leaving school with only two GCSEs, Elizabeth’s determination never waned. She pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Dance at Middlesex University, where she discovered Jacque D’Amboise and his transformative work with the National Dance Institute. This discovery inspired her trip to New York, where she shadowed D’Amboise and witnessed firsthand how he used dance to transform the lives of young people in challenging inner-city schools. Gaining a first class degree, her experience solidified her vision: to create an inclusive dance organisation in London that provides a safe space for kids to express themselves freely.

And so, Streetz Ahead was born—an organisation built on passion, inclusivity, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to dance their heart out, no matter where they come from or how “perfect” their moves might be.