Maga Judd, artistic director, Dare2Dance on the return of Be Well Family Dance Festival to Artsdepot

A group of women taking part in a Bollywood dance session — A Bollywood dance workshop – (Credit – Dare2Dance)

North Finchley will once again come alive with dance, colour, and community spirit this month as the Be Well Family Dance Festival returns for its third edition.

The festival on 22nd February, organised by Dare2Dance Company CIC and funded by The National Lottery Awards for All, brings together children, parents, grandparents, and local artists for a full day of free workshops and uplifting performances celebrating creativity and wellbeing.

This year’s programme features Bollywood, African dance, Mediterranean fusion, street dance, groove together (for under-5s), and art and movement sessions, alongside a vibrant community showcase featuring performers from across Barnet.

Our aim is to create spaces where people of all ages feel welcomed, seen, and connected through movement.

Feedback from last year’s festival reflects that impact: “Friendly, family environment… wonderful team!” said Golda; “Perfect! The mixture of workshops and performances was amazing” said Sophia and “A genuine commitment to community dance, drawing in so many performers” said Jo.

The festival continues to grow as a beacon of inclusion, intergenerational creativity and local pride; a joyful reminder that wellbeing can be nurtured through community and dance.

All workshops and performances are free, but booking is essential via artsdepot at: https://www.artsdepot.co.uk/festival/bewell-family-dance-festival-2026/

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else. £84 annual supporters get a print copy by post and a digital copy of each month's before anyone else.