The TR14ers are a Community Dance Team based in Camborne, Cornwall.  They are much more than a dance team however, and believe that through dance they can change themselves, others and the community of which they are a part.  Dance is a way of expressing themselves and their values, and the value they’ve adopted as their motto is ‘RESPECT’.

Their name comes from their postcode – TR14. They used to be embarrassed to say they came from Camborne but they’ve learnt that where they live is part of who they are and that they can be proud of themselves and their town.

The TR14ers’ first dance workshop took place in October 2005. They now have more than 800 members aged between 8 -18 years and on average 90 attend free Street Dance/Hip Hop dance workshops every week.

Since they began there has been a significant impact on the lives of the young people involved, and the town itself. From healthier lifestyles, by doing more exercise, eating more fruit, less incidence of smoking (many of the dancers have quit altogether), and better focus at school. However, perhaps the most important outcome is the raised collective self esteem of the young people themselves who have at long last shaken off the mantle of shame felt about living in Camborne. The TR14ers are living proof that ‘dance’ can change ‘community’.

Biography published 2013