OXFORD UNIVERSITY is helping fund free online hip-hop classes over the third lockdown.

The classes are part of a research project to see the effect that arts and physical activity can have on young people’s ‘social connectedness, reliance and self-esteem’.

The classes will be run by Body Politic, an Oxford-based dance company which works with artists from diverse communities.

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The programme will be coupled with a research study conducted by the Social Body Lab and funded by The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities (TORCH).

The classes are for those aged 11-16 who are currently having to do remote learning and are 'experiencing challenging times'.

Dr Bahar Tuncgenc, who is the lead researcher on the project, said: “Arts and physical activity can be very beneficial for improving social connectedness, reliance and self-esteem.

“We want to find out whether engaging in our creative dance programme would promote young people’s wellbeing during these much-needed times, in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis."

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The classes will be led by artistic director EmJ Greig.

The five-week intensive programme is for aspiring dancers who are keen to improve knowledge and technique in performance, improvisation and choreography.

Body Politic dance classes focus on producing evocative dance theatre work and implementing outreach programmes to help the representation of artists of Black and Asian origins.

The company also runs an education programme, providing workshops in leadership training and internships.

It supports young through the development of transferable skills to boost future employability, skills and attainment.

Deadline for registration is Monday, January 11. Those interested can register at bodypoliticdance.com

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