A Dundee youth dance company has been awarded more than £45,000 by the National Lottery.
The dance group Shaper Caper is a Dundee-based organisation who work with young people and dance enthusiasts across the city.
They have been announced as recipients of an award of £46,736 from Big Lottery’s Young Start fund.
Dancers from the group were involved with the mass dance event for Dundee’s ill-fated bid to become European Capital of Culture 2023.
As well as being a renowned touring company, Shaper Caper teach dance to people of all ages and also have a working partnership with NHS Tayside.
The group is run by choreographer Thomas Small, who was the first ever BBC Radio 2 Artist in Residence, a fellow of the Clore Leadership Programme, former choreographer in residence at The Space in Dundee and former artistic director of the acclaimed Smallpetitklein in Ardler.
Director of operations at Shaper Caper, Yolanda Aguilar, said the money would help the group achieve with their Ctrl Shift project, which will work with vulnerable youngsters in Dundee, Angus and Aberdeen.
She said: “We will be working with young people and children from vulnerable backgrounds over the course of two years, as a part of a digital skills and arts programme.
“We will be working now with our partners to discuss how to move this project into the future and get things going. We are over the moon to have received this funding.
“What is so good about it is we will be able to carry out the programme over two years, which means some of the children who want to stay on after the first year will get the chance to develop as mentors for the next year group.”
Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery fund Scotland chair, said: “Young Start helps Scotland’s next generation unlock their talents through a wide range of activities.
“These are designed to engage and inspire young people, and ensure they have the best possible start in life.
“The funding will make a big difference and I wish Shaper Caper every success as it goes on to develop and expand its project for the benefit of young people in their local community.”
