Created by Theresa Ikoko (Rocks) and Lisa Holdsworth (Call The Midwife), Dance School follows an eclectic group of dance students as they navigate the intense highs and lows of coming of age in today’s complex world.

Told through the eyes of the core friendship group and dance crew - Puppy, Kobby, Liam, Tim, Francesca, Tash and Nohail - Dance School captures their joyful, funny, raw and truthful stories. Heading up the LAH dance school is Jackie, a dynamic, determined, tough but passionate teacher who brings the group together.

Inspired by true stories from inner-city Leeds, the drama series will champion characters who have been meticulously workshopped with support from the Young Audiences Content Fund (YACF). Refusing to shy away from relevant and hard-hitting themes, Dance School will celebrate resilience, determination, and spirit: shining a light on the pressures young people face while showcasing a dynamic insight into the city of Leeds and its people.

The series will provide 10 industry training placements for Leeds-based individuals with no broadcast experience to break into the broadcast industry.

The initiative, in partnership with 4Skills and the National Film and Television School (NFTS), will offer training, mentoring, one to one sessions, career planning and the chance to work on a major production.

Rebekah Wray-Rogers, Co-Founder of Duck Soup Films, said: “We are beyond delighted that Duck Soup’s first drama commission is born and bred in our own city and commissioned by Channel 4 since its crucial move out of London up to Leeds. We have been enormously lucky to collaborate with such an eclectic group of talented creatives to build Dance School and are buzzing with excitement to finally bring this exceptional series to the screen.”

Sinead Rocks, MD Channel 4, Nations and Regions, commented: "This is an amazing opportunity for ten people to break into the broadcasting industry and gain real-life work experience on a national television drama series. This really has the potential to be a life-changing moment for these ten trainees and show the kind of impact Channel 4 and 4Skills can make on people's lives."

Street casting and recruitment starts in summer and the production will shoot in the Autumn in and around Leeds.