Para Dance UK Update

Parallel Windsor 2024  

We were absolutely thrilled to be part of this spectacular event! There was an amazing turnout of both individuals and organisations that took part in a variety of activities and events. We were very proud to take centre stage this year with the Greatest Dancer Challenge and dancing away with us was the lovely Ellie Simmonds who is a fantastic dancer. Ellie is truly inspirational and really helped to make this a most memorable event. It was so wonderful to see so many people dancing.

We are excited to announce that we will be back next year. Tickets are now available. To book for next year's event please visit the Parallel Windsor website. 

Weekly Online Dance Classes

Para Dance UK aims to develop and promote dance in a fun and safe environment as an inclusive leisure activity for those who would otherwise be excluded.

We will start the week commencing 2 September with our regular online dance sessions.

• Adult Dance Club - Mondays, 10am - 10:30am 
• Through the Decades Dance Club - Wednesdays, 11am - 11:30am
• Primary After School Dance Club - Wednesdays, 4:15pm - 4:45pm 
• Youth Dance Club - Wednesdays, 5pm - 5:30pm 
  Entertaining and energetic sessions, perfect for secondary school - aged children and young adults.

You can join us from the comfort of your own home or as a group from an organization. We have a wonderful group of dancers who are supportive, social and we have lots of FUN!! What are you waiting for sign up today!!!

Inclusive Dance Training (IDT)

Our Inclusive Dance Training (IDT) is a course for those wishing to run or be involved with inclusive dance sessions. Several courses are run throughout the year, starting in March and September with breaks for the school holidays.

The IDT is a blended-learning course delivered online through eight live group sessions with a trainer, and also via our E-Learning platform. Each session will cover a module containing not only theory but also practice on topics such as instruction techniques, choreography, and how to set up and run a group. 

There will be regular assessments with formative feedback provided. The final assessments are completed in the last two weeks of the course and comprise written and self-recorded video submissions. 

The IDT is designed for anyone wanting to run or be involved with inclusive dance sessions. It's suitable for a wide range of people involved with dance and disabled people, e.g. dance teachers wanting to open their services to all abilities, sports groups and those involved with them, and people with a focus on disability and the care environment.

Review from the IDT

"The IDT Course is fantastic, the trainer is brilliant, and the material is well organised and clear. The structure of the course means that you can learn in-depth information both through coursework but also through practical group work and discussions.

"The assessments are great to get the mind thinking and ensure that you understand the theory and the practical elements of the course. The modules on the online learning platform are well-produced and very informative.

"I am so happy to be doing this course and feel prepared to take the next steps as an inclusive dance practitioner."

Membership opportunities from September to August

• 32 weeks of sessions (18+, Older People, Primary School aged, Secondary School aged)
• Discounted access to ad-hoc workshops and dance sessions, i.e. summer sessions
• Discounted rates to handyperson, community transport, trips (Hertfordshire residents only)

• 32 weeks of sessions (18+, Older People, Primary School aged, Secondary School aged)
• Discounted access to ad-hoc workshops and dance sessions, i.e. summer sessions
• Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Checks at discounted rate

Upon successful completion of the Inclusive Dance Training course, you will receive six-months of Affiliate Membership for free. After that, the fees will be £100 per year (discounted to £60 if your annual income is below £20,000).

But also:

• CPD and Training opportunities
• Access to 50 online CPD Courses
• Discounted courses

This type of membership is open to those who successfully complete 6 Point Monitoring.

• CPD and Training opportunities
• Access to 50 online CPD Courses
• Discounted courses
• Elite Instructor Acord logo for use on publicity
• Access to receive work from, and represent, Para Dance UK on an ad-hoc basis.

The benefits of full membership include free and discounted:

• Access to Para Dance UK activity sessions
• Access to essential guidelines, databases and publications
• Advertising of your volunteering vacancies
• Advocacy and representation
• Exclusive eNewsletter with updates on funding and events
• Funding advice, support and workshops
• Help with volunteer recruitment and retention
• Inclusion in the local directory of groups
• Priority invites to networking events and targeted projects
• Promotion of your activities and events
• Stronger Together Networks
• Training, workshops and events
• 1:1 help and guidance with managing your organisation

Interested?

To make an enquiry, please call 01727 649960 or email  paradance@communities1st.org.uk.

FestivALL

We are very excited to be part of this annual event again organised by Action for Children, providing inclusive dance sessions. Our very own Para Dance Instructor MJ will be leading the way. This is a fully inclusive event with live music and other performances which meet everyone’s access requirements. This is sure to be a fun-filled day for all the family.

Saturday 14 September 2024, 12pm - 8pm

Old Uxbridge Road Rickmansworth WD3 9XL

Get in Touch

Thank you for reading this newsletter. If you'd like to speak to us please call 01727 649960 or email paradance@communities1st.org.uk.

You can also follow us on social media.

Registered Charity: 1187164.

Main Office: 1st Floor Ver House, Park Estate, Frogmore, St Albans, AL2 2WH.

Your Community Hub: 5 Leeming Road, Borehamwood, WD6 4EB.