WHAT WE DO
L2R uses dance as a powerful vehicle for social change, community belonging, physical and mental wellbeing and leadership development.
L2R Dance is a not-for-profit and social enterprise proudly based in Melbourne’s West. 100% of our income is reinvested into creating free dance opportunities for children and young people across Melbourne’s west, while also building employment pathways and professional development opportunities for the next generation of artists and cultural leaders.
L2R makes dance accessible to children and young people who can’t access commercial dance opportunities. We break down barriers to participation including age, cost and elitism to ensure that community has easy access to our programs irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, and dance ability. L2R draws from the history of hip-hop culture with its aims to empower and critique social issues that affect young people in Melbourne’s West and beyond.
More than just a series of dance classes, L2R is led by the voices of the people it exists for!
How we do it:
Our work is grounded in the Street Dance ethos of “each one teach one”.
We design our programs as a continuous cycle, ensuring everyone has a place and a pathway at L2R, honouring the emerging generation while respecting the elders and pioneers who paved the way.
We do this through:
FREE DANCE PROGRAMS
Our free weekly hip-hop and street dance workshops that break financial, cultural, and geographic barriers. Young people across Melbourne’s west explore self-expression, build skills, and form friendships in a supportive, peer-to- peer learning environment.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Young artists are invited to elevate their practice through a range of paid professional development development opportunities delivered by L2R including Igniting Legends internships, Dance Camp, commercial engagements and secondments with partner
organisations.
COMMERCIAL ENGAGEMENTS
L2R’s self-generating income stream that strengthens our financial sustainability while
creating meaningful employment for our artists. These opportunities allow emerging and professional talent with hands-on experience in both commercial and community dance sectors, building professional skills, networks, and confidence.
CREATIVE DEVELOPMENTS & COMMUNITY EVENTS
L2R unites our extended community through community celebrations, creative partnerships,
and public performances. These events showcase the talent of our artists and participants,
foster connection and pride, and strengthen community ownership of the arts, turning creative
expression into shared experiences that celebrate culture and belonging in Melbourne’s west.
