Delivery Partner Spotlight: Spirix

Spirix is an inclusive youth-led dance and arts collective for young people, based in Leigh. Our work is grounded in the belief that young people can flourish when they are seen, heard and supported through strong relationships, enabled through the medium of dance. 

Spirix Retold, a large-scale youth dance theatre production, brought this belief to life by using professional artistic practice as a vehicle for confidence, connection and personal growth. 

Empowering young people through partnership 

Delivered in partnership with AllChild, and funded by Arts Council England and Wigan Council, the project reflected a strong alignment of values.  

We and all our partners are committed to an approach that prioritises early support and relational practice, which creates safe, empowering spaces where children and young people can develop their social and emotional skills. 

Our collaboration with AllChild has enabled us to reach even more children who particularly benefit from consistent, nurturing opportunities, placing creativity at the heart of youth development. 

An inclusive atmosphere, role models and mentoring 

Spirix Retold reimagined the Spirix origin story as a piece of modern folklore and was co-created with 80 young people, drawn entirely from local schools and Spirix groups in Leigh. Performed in a professional venue, the production was attended by over 300 audience members from across the borough. 

The cast was made up of dancers at different stages of their journey, from children engaging through AllChild as beginners to experienced youth dancers and emerging professional performers, all sharing the stage as equals. 

This inclusive model strongly reflected Spirix’s growing focus on youth development and youth work. Younger participants benefited from working alongside older role models, while more experienced dancers developed leadership, empathy and mentoring skills. 

Supported by professional artists and mentors, including guidance from Dance United Yorkshire, the process embedded trust, emotional literacy and high expectations alongside artistic excellence. 

Crucially, the partnership did not end with the final performance. We are now welcoming young people from the AllChild programme into our regular Spirix classes and youth dance company, creating clear pathways for continued engagement. We hope this will open up many more creative opportunities for them in the future, supporting long-term confidence, aspiration and belonging. 

Spirix Retold stands as a powerful example of what is possible when values align. Professional arts practice meeting youth work principles, creativity used as care, and partnership built as a foundation for lasting impact on children and young people.