It is with great sadness that the Trustees of Dance Woking announce the closure of the charity, marking the end of an incredible 30-year journey. Despite tireless efforts by the CEO and Trustees, the organisation has been unable to overcome the challenges presented by the loss of critical funding from Woking Borough Council and has begun an orderly wind-down process. Unfortunately, it is impossible for Dance Woking to sustain the quality of provision and engagement that the charity is renowned for with project funding alone.
Founded in 1994 as Woking Dance Festival, Dance Woking has impacted the lives of over 300,000 people through its diverse programming and initiatives. In total, more than 90,000 individuals have participated directly in the charity’s various dance activities. Over the years, Dance Woking has been a key cultural institution, offering a wide range of artistic experiences for all ages and backgrounds.
The charity’s mission has always been to engage the local community with high-quality dance, fostering artistic ambition and participation. Through its festivals, educational programs, and partnerships with local schools, colleges, and care homes, Dance Woking has offered countless opportunities for creative expression and inspired the next generation of dancers. For 30 years Dance Woking has enriched the lives of people young and old, improving quality of life, reducing isolation and enabling access to dance for all.
From championing the pioneering work of celebrated choreographers, delivering education projects in schools and holiday clubs, producing community dance platforms and tea dances to workshops in care homes; Dance Woking has supported both the professional dance industry and the local community.
One of the organisation’s key highlights was its involvement in the highly successful Party in the Park one day family festival, which ran from 2012 to 2019. At its peak, the event attracted over 20,000 attendees, bringing the community together for a day of vibrant, family-friendly entertainment. This event was just one example of how Dance Woking connected people through the power of dance and arts, building an enduring legacy of cultural engagement.
Despite shifting to a more localised focus in recent years with its Spring, Summer, and Winter Shorts programs, and continuing to work with talented freelancers and volunteers, the loss of crucial funding has left the charity with no option but to close.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Woking Borough Council, Surrey Community Foundation, Active Surrey, Arts Council England, and all of our local partners, including schools and community organisations, for their invaluable support over the years. Without their help, Dance Woking’s success would not have been possible.
Dance Woking has made an indelible mark on the community, and while we are saddened by the charity’s closure, we are incredibly proud of the lasting impact we’ve had. For the past thirty years Dance Woking has been at the heart of cultural activity in the town, delivering a series of highly valued programmes for all ages, adapting and changing over time to best serve the local community and environment. Through the promotion of dance, well-being and fitness the organisation has enriched the lives of individuals throughout Woking and Surrey. Dance Woking will always be remembered for its dedication to transforming lives and communities through dance.
