Community Dance
Creating a Movement
We are passionate about the benefits of dance on quality of life. Dance is a fantastic form of expression. Alongside physical benefits such as improved strength, stamina, and stability, dance can help improve creativity, confidence, communication, concentration, and a sense of community.
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Our specialist team teach a wide range of dance styles. They are experienced in providing dance for disabled children and adults, people with long-term health conditions, and using dance to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of people from disadvantaged, and underserved communities.
Programmes
Our Work with the Community
We create dance classes and courses for all ages and abilities. We also tailor dance programmes and produce innovative projects for specific groups. We provide inclusive training for teachers, coaches, and apprentices. We work with a wide range of partners from local authorities, schools and colleges, health and social care, the arts, sport and leisure who recognise the impact of dance, creativity and physical activity in our lives.
Here are just some examples of our work.
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Local Authorities
We work in partnership with with local authorities to provide over 100 hours of free dance for disabled children and adults in the community, culminating in a 'Strictly' inspired competition.
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Public Workshops
We delivered a series of outdoor mass public workshops for the National Theatre. We enjoy getting people dancing in open spaces, from the local park to the Olympic Park.
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Inclusive Training
We deliver practical training for dance and fitness professionals on supporting disabled people's participation. We create and deliver training with our students who share their insight and experience.
Culture
Wheelchair Dance
Our wheelchair dance programmes have supported students of all levels to dance, learn choreography and perform. Our students have performed at local and national arts venues and festivals.
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Sight Loss Programmes
We run a series of programmes for people with sight loss. Supported by community volunteers, participants have taken dance exams and performed on stage.
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Conferences & Events
We chair and speak at national and international events, sharing better practice with different sectors, including sport & leisure, the arts, disability, education, and local & central government.
Sports
Older People
We deliver dance programmes for older people with dementia. Our fun sessions also provided a social outlet for families and include performance opportunities in the community.
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Public Libraries
We provide dance sessions for children in public libraries using the stories they are reading for inspiration. We work with schools to tailor our content to the curriculum and are an Artsmark Partner.
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Consultancy & Campaigns
We provide strategic consultancy, and produce resources for organisations wanting to improve diversity and inclusion. We also create and support campaigns which promote disability rights.
Lifestyle
Youth Groups
We work with community youth groups to deliver indoor and outdoor classes, holiday programmes, and performances. We also created inclusive competitions for the School Games.
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Healthcare Support
In partnership with hospitals, primary care centres, and care homes we deliver seated dance for patients, and respite programmes for families and carers.
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Intersection
Recognising inequalities experienced by disabled people of South Asian heritage, we created over 100 workouts in 4 languages, and delivered tailored programmes to people from different communities.
Professional Dance
Showcasing Talent
We produce original, innovative dance performances that showcases diverse, world-class talent. We collaborate with brilliant artists and choreographers to create ambitious work that crosses traditional boundaries in dance. We recognise potential and create platforms for new, and aspiring artists. We present work nationally and internationally, in partnership with leading arts venues.
Through our work, we want to inspire more diverse dance programming, opportunities for artists, and audience engagement. As part of our performance work, we provide community workshops, topical discussion, and other opportunities to connect with dance.
Productions
On Stage and Screen
'Go big or go home' is how one of our artists described our approach to performance. We work with dedicated dancers and choreographers who bring an open mind, creative curiosity, and spirit of collaboration to our creations.
Here are a few highlights from our work.
Fusion
Step Change Studios made its professional debut with 'Fusion', the UK's first inclusive Latin and Ballroom dance showcase at leading dance venue Sadler's Wells, London. Supported by Dance Enterprise Ideas Fund, and Arts Council England.
Fairy Tales
Step Change studios returned to Sadler's Wells with 'FairyTales'. The show brought together a diverse cast of 20 artists to present dynamic, captivating dance, placing creativity and storytelling at its heart. Supported by Arts Council England.
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Breaking Ballroom
Produced by Dragana Njegic, this film follows the story of Step Change Studios and challenges perceptions of who can dance. Breaking Ballroom was selected for film festivals in London, Berlin, Istanbul, and New York.
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Forward Motion
This US-UK collaboration brought together dancers from both sides of the Atlantic to create new work for the international dance festival Forward Motion held in the United States. Supported by Arts Council England, National Endowment for the Arts, and Knight Foundation.