Ampthill street and hip hop school Fundamentalz wins Emerging Dance School of the Year

Ampthill-based Fundamentalz Dance has been named Emerging Dance School of the Year at the UK Dance Awards, marking a major milestone for the school and significant recognition for authentic street and hip hop in Bedfordshire.

Founded by Mia Beaney, Fundamentalz is headquartered in Ampthill, with satellite classes in Wixams, and is Bedfordshire’s most successful specialist street and hip hop dance school, with dancers winning national and international competition success and regularly selected for major youth dance platforms.

The award recognises the school’s growth and impact, but  particularly significant for because street and hip hop remains under represented locally and does not always receive the same recognition as more traditional dance styles.

Mia Beaney, founder of Fundamentalz, said: “Winning Emerging Dance School of the Year means a huge amount to us. We are incredibly proud of what we have built, but what makes this particularly special is seeing street and hip hop dance recognised in this way.

“Hip hop is at the heart of everything we do. We care deeply about teaching the styles properly, understanding where they come from and giving young people the opportunity to experience the culture as well as the movement. For our dancers, teachers and families to see that work recognised at a national dance awards event is a really important moment.”

Fundamentalz works with young dancers across Bedfordshire, from beginners taking their first class through to experienced competition dancers, with teaching spanning a range of street and hip hop styles alongside freestyle, battles, performance and competition work.

Alongside dance training, Fundamentalz focusses on the benefits of dance, helping young people build confidence, individuality, discipline and a sense of belonging.

Through its Community Interest Company, Fundamentalz Performing Arts CIC, the school is also helping children who may otherwise miss out on dance because of financial or other barriers. This includes providing subsidised and free access to classes for eligible families and developing wider outreach opportunities across the local community.

Mia added: “We want young people in Bedfordshire to be able to access high-quality, authentic street and hip hop training on their doorstep. This award gives us even more motivation to keep developing what we do, creating opportunities for our dancers and helping this art form reach a new generation.”

Fundamentalz is now looking ahead to its second major show, Hope. Freedom. Joy., taking place in December. More than a traditional dance school showcase, the production will bring together original choreography, authentic street styles and hip hop theatre in a performance designed to celebrate the creativity, energy and culture at the heart of Fundamentalz.

The show is open to all, giving local audiences the opportunity to experience the breadth of street and hip hop dance and see the work of Fundamentalz first-hand.