Beatbox and hip hop dance workshops
Are you 11-18 years old and interested in beatbox or hip-hop dance?
Youth Cypher is a free programme for young people in Peterborough, who want to try or develop skills in beatboxing and street dance through workshops with professional artists.
When: Tuesdays, 5-7 pm
January 6, 13, 20, 27
February 3, 10, 17, 24
Cost: FREE
What is a Cypher?
A cypher is a gathering of rappers, beatboxers, and/or break dancers in a circle, making music together. It is a positive, collaborative environment where we can build a performance and a community at the same time.
What is Youth Cypher?
Youth Cypher is a fully funded weekly series of beatbox and street dance workshops, taught by professional artists from Battersea Arts Centre’s Beatbox Academy, Kate Donnachie and Alex Hardie. It’s designed to encourage self-expression, build confidence, support mental and physical well-being, and create a fun, collaborative space to try something new.
Youth Cypher participants will also have priority access to join the community cast of Pied Piper if they want to continue developing their skills and perform in a professional production.
Meet the artists
Alex Hardie - Dance
Alex (AKA Apollo) trained at The Urdang Academy. His theatre credits include ‘Unexpected Twist’ - Uk Tour, ‘Frankenstein: How To Make A Monster - Uk Tour, ‘Aladdin At Sea’ - Pantomime with P&O Cruises. He performed at the BRIT Awards in 2019 and was a featured role in Baileys Christmas Commercial in 2023 and 2024.
He has also performed with several groups, including Get Gospel, The Gold Vocal Collective, and Folk Dance Remixed. Additionally, he plays Tommy in the critically acclaimed Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons tribute ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ since 2023. Alex is also an expert beatboxer, ranking in the top 16 in the country.
Kate Donnachie - Beatbox
Kate is an Award-winning Actor, Singer, and Beatboxer from South London. She graduated from Italia Conti as a Carlton Hobbs Bursary Award runner up and Alan Bates Award finalist.
Kate has been part of the BAC Beatbox Academy since 2014 training, facilitating at the Academy as well as some of London’s top Drama Schools, alongside founder Conrad Murray, and performing across the country in their award-winning shows. In 2023, she originated the role of Robyn in Pied Piper: A Hip Hop Family Musical (Battersea Arts Centre // BAC Beatbox Academy // rODIUM) and most recently co-wrote and played Juliet in Polka Theatre and Beats & Elements’ co-production of Romeo & Juliet, in which she was nominated for Best Performance in the Off West-End Awards among further nominations for the show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can take part? Youth Cypher is open to anyone aged 11-18 who lives or goes to school in Peterborough. No previous beatbox or dance experience is needed.
What do I need to bring? Comfortable clothing you can move in, trainers, and a bottle of water.
How much does it cost? The weekly workshops and taster sessions are fully funded, so there is no cost to take part.
Who will be teaching the sessions? All workshops are led by professional artists from Battersea Arts Centre’s Beatbox Academy - Kate Donnachie (beatbox) and Alex Hardie (street dance).
Is the venue accessible? The Cresset is wheelchair accessible and has accessible toilets. If your young person has any specific access needs, please let us know when you sign up so we can support them.
Is there adult supervision? Yes. All staff and facilitators are DBS-checked, and at least two adults will be present at each session.
What is a taster session? They’re a chance to visit the space, meet the artists and try things out before committing to the weekly programme.
Do I need to book a taster before applying for the full programme? No, tasters are optional. You can apply for the full programme right away if you’re ready.
Is there a performance or sharing at the end? We are planning an end-of-programme sharing for families so participants can show what they’ve learned. More information will be shared with participants once the programme begins.
What’s the Pied Piper Community Cast? Jumped Up Theatre has booked Pied Piper: A Hip Hop Musical to come to Peterborough as part of their national tour. We’re partnering with the Cresset to host them here for two performances on Tue 3 March 2026. There show requires a ‘Community Cast’ so there will be an opportunity for Youth Cypher participants to get priority access to it.
Do I have to join the Pied Piper community cast if I'm part of Youth Cypher? No - there is absolutely no obligation to join the community cast. It’s an optional progression opportunity for those who want to perform or take their skills further.
Can I join the Pied Piper community cast without being part of Youth Cypher? Yes. Youth Cypher participants get first access to sign up, but applying is open to all. If you’re interested, please email jen@jumpeduptheatre.com for more information.
What happens after I apply? We’ll email you to confirm your place and share all the information you need before the first session.
What if the programme is full? If we reach capacity, we will operate a waiting list and contact you as soon as a space becomes available.
