Joseph Toonga: How Just Us Dance Theatre’s paid apprenticeship is redefining dance careers.

In this episode, Joseph Toonga of Just Us Dance Theatre chats about creating the UK’s first paid hip hop dance apprenticeship, offering five emerging artists the opportunity to train, create and earn simultaneously. Designed as an alternative to traditional pathways like university, the program supports young dancers who may feel excluded by conventional routes into the industry.Drawing on experience working with major dance companies worldwide, the initiative’s founder identified a critical gap in support for hip hop artists—particularly when it comes to financial sustainability. This apprenticeship aims to remove those barriers, enabling creativity to thrive without economic pressure.With an overwhelmingly positive response from the dance community, Just Us Dance Theatre is leading the conversation around accessibility and inclusion in the arts for dancers and choreographers. As they prepare to open their UK tour at Lakeside Arts in Nottingham next month (April 2026), the episode explores how alternative career pathways like this can empower the next generation of dancers and reshape the future of hip hop. Joseph also talks about a Q&A event and a rare opportunity to see a tech rehearsal.Listeners are invited to reflect on how the dance industry can become more accessible and to support emerging talent through innovative programs like this one.🎟️ Tickets can be purchased from Lakeside Arts