Dancing, drumming and stories: confidence through culture

Photos courtesy of Shirlaine Forrest

At Afrocats, we believe that the arts are more than entertainment - they are powerful tools for growth, resilience, and self-expression.

Music, dance, and storytelling give young people the chance to explore who they are, build confidence, and find their voice in a supportive environment, and research shows that creative activities boost self-esteem, communication skills, and emotional wellbeing.

We see this every day in our workshops, as children with their roots in the global majority who may arrive shy or uncertain light up when they find rhythm on a drum, step into a dance circle, or share a story from their own imagination.

These moments of expression help young people realise that their voices matter, and that their creativity can inspire others.

Celebrating diversity through the arts

Our programmes are rooted in cultural diversity, drawing inspiration from music and movement traditions around the world: from West African drumming and Caribbean dance, to contemporary theatre and spoken word, our sessions celebrate a wide range of cultural influences.

For young people, this is more than just fun, it’s a way of experiencing other cultures, respecting different traditions, and building empathy. We see friendships form across languages and backgrounds as children teach each other a new rhythm, sing along to new melodies, or weave personal stories into group performances.

Check out snippets of dancing, drumming and all-round joy and creativity on our Whitworth collaboration below in special short film 'The Art of Belonging':

By making space for cultural exchange, we help families and communities feel seen and valued, and so whether during Refugee Week, Black History Month, or International Mother Language Day, our events shine a light on the richness of Manchester’s communities and the ways the arts can bring people together.

Why it works

The benefits of arts-based programmes are backed by research, and studies show that music improves memory and focus, dance enhances coordination and teamwork, and storytelling develops empathy and communication.

Together, these activities nurture children holistically, giving them tools that extend beyond the workshop space, as well as confidence to speak up in class, resilience to try new things, and pride in their identity.

When children are encouraged to express themselves creatively, they learn not only about the art form, but also about their own strengths and potential.

Looking ahead

And as we continue to deliver programmes across Manchester, our mission remains the same: to give young people opportunities to express themselves, celebrate diversity, and connect with their community through the arts.

GO GO AFROCATS!

Would you like to work with Afrocats so that your young people can grow in confidence while celebrating cultural diversity?

Find out more about commissioning our workshops by clicking here.