MASS DANCE: Creating big dance floors

Mass Dance is where we go big – really big. In acts of epic collaboration, we transform public spaces into joyful dance floors, bringing together people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences to move as one. It’s about the buzz of the crowd, the beat of the music, and the shared energy that comes from creating something unforgettable together.

These large-scale events are moments of connection, celebration, and pure, unfiltered joy. Whether it’s 50 or 500 people, Mass Dance is a bold invitation to take part, take up space, and feel the power of unity through movement.

1. Laying the Groundwork for Cultural Shift

2024/25 was a pivotal year for research, development, and strategic planning. A choreographic R&D phase with national experts laid the creative foundation for future work, and a launch event at Mayflower Studios gathered stakeholders from across civic, business and cultural sectors.

Alongside this, two digital outputs and a bespoke website amplified the campaign’s advocacy reach. Notably, national recognition came via a feature on The One Show as part of the LET’S DANCE campaign, positioning The Big Movement as a bold new vision for how dance and men’s mental health intersect.

2. Co-Design and Community Voice at the Core

The Big Movement was shaped by local men from the very beginning, embedding co-creation at the heart of the process. Over 12 monthly steering group sessions, a core group of 20 men consistently contributed to shaping the programme’s identity, structure and engagement plan. This model ensured that the evolving programme was not just for men but with men, honouring lived experience and amplifying diverse voices. Bespoke adult dance sessions through The Collective offered an ongoing opportunity for men to engage physically, creatively, and socially.