The Make moves Fund, co-funded by Nike and Spotify, is gearing up to award grants equivalent to approximately US$25,000 for pioneering, UK-based organisations to empower a new generation of girls to take their first steps into dance.

Girls in the UK are more than twice as likely as boys to report poor mental health by the time they reach 18. Alongside this, Black British, African, Caribbean, Arab and Asian girls from lower-socio economic backgrounds tend to be the least active in the country. Nike and Spotify

recognise the power of movement and music to positively impact mental wellbeing and inspire girls to get and stay active.

As a relatively accessible form of movement, with low barriers to entry, dance-based programmes are a way for girls to express individuality and create community. Nike's Dan Burrows said “We’re committed to increasing girls’ participation in play and sport because we know that an active generation means a more equitable future."

A panel of experts, including four teenage girls nominated by Black Girl Fest, Nike dancer Joelle D'Fontaine, Nike and Spotify social impact teams and Ciara Dockery, a mental wellbeing expert from Gurls Talk, are working together to determine who will be awarded funding. Selected grantees will be notified by the end of January 2024.

Grantee programming will run for six months, and Nike and Spotify will measure each program’s impact.

FLO, a London-based girl group that aims to empower girls and women through their music, are ambassadors for the Make Moves Fund.

Dance-based workouts are a popular part of the health and fitness industry, with outfits such as Les Mills, Zumba and Pound all finding huge markets for their concepts.