In the space provided below, please insert a general account of the company's activities in the financial year to which the report relates, including a description of how they have benefited the community.

In its second year, UpTop Arts CIC delivered a range of dance events and community activities designed to provide young people, families and dancehall practitioners with affordable access to dance, while promoting Caribbean culture through dancehall.

Meet Me on Stage 2025 (16 June 2025) - held at a community theatre in North London, this showcase brought together around 140 young dancers from UpTop Dance School and UpTop Arts Youth Company. The event provided a professional stage for children to perform and showcase their skills as part of the UpTop Arts community.

The event also created opportunities within the local dancehall community by engaging DJs, a show host, and food vendors, supporting creatives and small businesses connected to the culture.

The show served as a platform not only for the performers but also for families and the wider community to experience dancehall in a theatre setting, creating an inclusive and vibrant community event. Participation was free for all performers, and ticket sales were used solely to cover venue hire and production costs.

Dancehall Workshop with One Rockazz (July 2025) – UpTop Dance delivered a specialist workshop led by Jamaican dance artist, providing authentic learning rooted in the origins of dancehall culture. The workshop focused on developing participants' understanding of the foundations and cultural context of dancehall, allowing dancers to connect with the roots behind the movements. It created a valuable opportunity for London based dance practitioners to learn directly from a Jamaican artist, supporting knowledge sharing and cultural exchange. This session contributed to UpTop Arts' mission of promoting Caribbean culture through education and ensuring access to authentic voices within the dancehall community.

Dancehall Carnival Vol.2 (23 August 2025) - this event brought together six UK based dance teachers and one Jamaican dance artist to deliver workshops focused on Caribbean dance. The event supported both participants and the professional dance community by commissioning and promoting local practitioners.

The event was delivered with a strong focus on accessibility, with discounted ticket options available, including reduced rates for children, to ensure affordability for families.

Ticket prices were intentionally kept low through the reinvestment of income, enabling greater access for London dancers and supporting participation during the cost-of-living crisis.

Annual Pyjama Party ( 20 December 2025 ) - The Annual Pyjama Party provided an affordable evening of entertainment for children and their families, creating a safe and welcoming space where they could come together, socialise, dance, and enjoy quality time as a community. The event was designed to be accessible to families from all backgrounds, ensuring that cost was not a barrier to participation.

Throughout the evening, children took part in dancing, games, and interactive activities that encouraged confidence, creativity, teamwork, and new friendships. Families had the opportunity to connect with one another in a relaxed and inclusive environment, helping to strengthen community relationships and reduce social isolation.

UpTop Arts Youth Company (2025) - UpTop Arts Youth Company provided weekly training for 17 intermediate/advanced level children aged 8 to 14, offering structured development at affordable prices to ensure accessibility for those wishing to progress further in dance. The programme supports young dancers who are committed to improving their skills and working towards a higher performance standard.

Throughout the year, participants took part in numerous events, performances, and competitions, gaining valuable stage experience and exposure. These opportunities contributed to increased confidence, discipline, teamwork, and resilience, while encouraging a strong sense of commitment and personal development.

The aim of the programme is to train and support young dancers by providing consistent, high-quality development and creating clear pathways for them to showcase their abilities, helping them grow both artistically and personally within a supportive environment.

Through these activities, UpTop Arts CIC has created opportunities for children and young people to perform, learn new skills, and build confidence, while also supporting local dance practitioners, engaging parents and audiences, and strengthening community connections through dance and cultural celebration.

The company's main stakeholders are the children and young people who participate in our activities, their parents and carers, our dance teachers, and the wider local community.

Stakeholder feedback is gathered through parent feedback forms following our events, together with informal discussions with parents and participants throughout the year. As many of the children in our Dance Company take part in the majority of our events, this provides regular opportunities to receive feedback and understand the needs of those we support.