Portsmouth South MP and patron of local dance charity, Stephen Morgan, will be working in partnership with city-based Funk Format to promote well-being in the city through the medium of street dance.
The constituency office, based in Albert Road in Southsea, is set to be taken over so the MP can host a family-friendly event this Saturday that will offer attendees a taste of street dance.
Ahead of the event, Mr Morgan said:
“From promoting healthy living and increasing confidence to fostering a feeling of community spirit – the positive effects of street dance are endless.
I am proud to have organisations like Funk Format in Portsmouth. The opportunity to cooperate with them to increase the outreach of this community project cannot be missed. I am looking forward to opening our doors to the people of Portsmouth and encouraging people to get involved”.
The event organised by Sasha Biloshisky founder of Funk Format and the local MP, will provide those who attend with the opportunity to participate in free taster sessions and will feature a jam where dancers from all styles can showcase their skills.
Mr Morgan said:
“Access to arts is of vital importance. Funk Format not only focuses on the physical element of dance, it also seeks to teach attendees about the origins of the different styles and history of the practices, setting young people in good stead for their education outside of the organisation.”
I am confident that this open day will inspire people of all ages to get active in a fun and non-pressurised environment.
All too often we see some parts of the population miss out on access to the arts and I am hopeful that exposing the young people of Portsmouth to this practice will instil resilience and a feeling of self-belief. This is about increasing opportunity and increasing participation.”
The event follows a recent announcement that the MP has become the first ever patron of Funk Format.
The event will take place on Saturday 6 July from 10:30 until 13:00 at Mr Morgan’s constituency office.
