Teen Found Confidence and Joy on the Northern Soul Dancefloor
Fourteen-year-old Keiven from Sheffield used to struggle with anxiety, ADHD, and dyslexia, which made making friends difficult. But everything began to change the night his grandfather Bryan introduced him to the Northern Soul dance scene — a world of vintage tunes, energetic dance moves, and welcoming people.
Keiven calls his grandfather his “inspiration”, and it’s easy to see why. Together, they bonded over the music, fashion, and joy that define Northern Soul. “The music, the feel, the people, it’s like one big family,” said Keiven.
At the dance events, Keiven discovered more than just rhythm — he found a safe space where he could truly be himself. He says his favorite song is Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) by Frank Wilson because it “makes me feel good,” adding, “It’s really helped and brought me out my comfort zone.”
For someone who once didn’t leave the house much, that’s a huge step. His mom, Vanessa, shared that attending these dance nights with his grandparents gave him “something to look forward to.”
Keiven also realized that dancing helps with his ADHD. “It’s a good way to help mental health and, if you have ADHD, that’s a good way to keep you stimulated,” he explained. Now, he’s even thinking about entering Northern Soul dance competitions in the future — proof that confidence can bloom in the most unexpected places.
Bryan, who’s loved Northern Soul since 1984, remembers the feeling of watching dancers at his first club night. “They weren’t dancing with their legs, they were dancing with their hearts and they were dancing with passion – you could see it in their face.”
Today, young people like Keiven are carrying that same spirit forward. As radio host John Kane said, “It’s great to see someone like Keiven get involved and it’s great to see other young people do as well.”
Keiven’s story reminds us that sometimes, faith in ourselves can begin with something simple — a song, a step, or a moment shared with someone who believes in us. “Keep the faith” isn’t just a motto in Northern Soul — it’s a life lesson. Even when anxiety, doubt, or fear tries to hold us back, believing that good things can still happen can make all the difference
Source:
- https://youtu.be/Lm7G0pd2hE8?si=7mKwDW-6TChAkj2v
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg434vwv8po
- https://app.pictory.ai/
- https://chatgpt.com/
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