Primary school girls in Aberdeen have taken part in an innovative dance programme aimed at empowerment through creative movement.
Organised by Active Schools Aberdeen, and delivered by Sport Aberdeen, the ConfiDance programme celebrated another successful year as it continues to encourage young girls to build confidence and self-expression through the power of dance.
Delivered over six weeks, ConfiDance introduced fresh choreography each week alongside group discussions on developing self-belief and emotional awareness.
At the heart of ConfiDance is a strong focus on connection. The girls were encouraged to connect with themselves, their peers, their coach, as well as to connect to the music, which they used as a tool for emotional expression and freedom. Working in small groups, they built teamwork skills, formed new friendships, and learned how to express themselves in a supportive and inclusive environment.
This year, the programme welcomed girls from P5 to P7 from 14 schools across the city and engaged target areas where participation in sport and physical activity among girls has been traditionally lower.
The initiative wrapped up with a finale performance, dubbed The Big Big Show, at Abbotswell Primary where 45 girls took to the stage in front of an audience of over 80 parents, carers and teachers. The event also featured a special visit from Sport Aberdeen’s community mascots Dee the Red Squirrel & Don the Highland Bull who enjoyed the show featuring female empowerment tracks and high energy dance routines.
Katrina Carr, Lead Active Schools Coordinator, said, “ConfiDance is about so much more than dance. It’s about encouraging girls to express themselves confidently while building connections with others.
“The ConfiDance programme allows us to motivate the girls physically while challenging them choreographically, and to see it all come together during the final show was incredibly powerful.”
First launched in 2024 by Active Schools Aberdeen, ConfiDance is set to continue expanding its reach to empower even more young girls with the confidence and skills they need to thrive both in and out of school.
According to a national report published by sportscotland, the Active Schools programme continues to play a vital role in helping children and young people become more active, while also improving wellbeing, supporting learning and strengthening connections between schools and communities.
The February 2026 report, carried out by Research Scotland, found that 280,000 children and young people, representing 40% of Scotland’s school roll, took part in Active Schools activities, with particularly strong participation among primary pupils.
This national success is reflected locally through the work of Active Schools Aberdeen, with initiatives like ConfiDance providing inclusive, supportive opportunities for girls to take part in physical activity.
For more visit www.sportaberdeen.co.uk/activities/active-schools