At Para Dance UK, we believe that dance transcends limitations. It's not just about movement; it's a celebration of life, expression and connection. Whether you glide gracefully across the floor, sway to your own rhythm or simply want to be part of something extraordinary, our doors are wide open for you.

Why Choose Para Dance UK?
Here's why our community is unlike any other:
1. Inclusivity Is Our Anthem: We don't see limitations; we see possibilities. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, you belong here. Our dance embraces diversity and our choreography celebrates uniqueness.
2. Impact: You'll make a positive difference in people's lives by promoting inclusivity through dance.
3. Inspiration: Be someone's inspiration—empower others to discover the joy of movement.
4. The Power of Connection: When you step onto our dance floor, you're not just learning steps; you're connecting with others who share your passion. It's a place where friendships bloom, barriers fade and hearts sync to the rhythm of acceptance.
5. Professional Development: Our courses enhance your skills, from instruction techniques to choreography.
6. Your Journey, Your Way: Whether you want to shimmy, salsa or waltz, we're here to guide you. Our instructors tailor their approach to your needs, ensuring that your dance journey aligns with your aspirations.
7. Safety: Public Liability Insurance covers your inclusive dance tuition activities.
8. Community: Join a supportive community of like-minded instructors and dancers.
9. Funded Spaces in Hertfordshire: Yes, you read that right! We offer funded spaces for applicants in Hertfordshire (deposit required).

What Awaits You?
- Inspiration: Discover stories of triumph, courage and resilience. Our dancers defy odds and create magic with every sway. You'll find inspiration in every corner.
- Education: Our Inclusive Dance Training (IDT) equips you with the tools to lead inclusive dance sessions. From understanding disabilities to choreographing with heart, we cover it all.
- Community: Join our tribe—the passionate souls who believe that dance is a universal language. Share your victories, seek advice and celebrate each other's milestones.

Next Steps
At Para Dance UK, we believe that everyone can dance. There are no specific eligibility criteria for dancers—just a passion for movement and a desire to explore the art of dance. Our local groups, often described as ‘families’, welcome adults and children of all abilities.
Ready to Take the Leap?
Whether you're a seasoned dancer, a curious soul or someone who's never stepped onto a dance floor, we invite you to explore the joy of dance with us. Let's move, groove and create memories that last a lifetime.
As an aspiring instructor, you'll find a wealth of opportunities within Para Dance UK:
1. Inclusive Dance Training (IDT): Our comprehensive course equips you with the skills to lead inclusive dance sessions. Whether you're a dance teacher, sports enthusiast or care professional, IDT welcomes all backgrounds and abilities.
2. Affiliate Membership: By joining us, you become part of a supportive network. As an affiliate member, you gain access to valuable resources, industry news and personal development opportunities.

Instructor Training Details

Inclusive Dance Training (IDT):
Unlock the Joy of Inclusive Movement!
What Is IDT?
IDT isn't just a course; it's an invitation to transform lives through dance. Whether you're a seasoned dancer, a compassionate teacher or someone eager to make a difference, IDT welcomes you. Here's what you need to know:
Who Can Join?
- Anyone curious about inclusive dance.
- Advocates for dance access.
- Aspiring instructors ready to lead inclusive sessions.
Some examples of individuals who have become instructors
- Dancers/Dance Teachers: Open your services to all abilities.
- Teachers: If you’re passionate about dance too, you get to engage in a newer way.
- Sports Enthusiasts: Discover the magic of inclusive movement.
- Care Professionals: Enhance your practice with dance.
- Others: If you believe that you possess the some of the above qualities, let’s chat. We want to explore how we can support you.
What You'll Need?
- A computer or tablet with internet access.
- A recording device (phone, camera).
- A small space for limited dance movements.
Language Accommodations: If English isn't your first language, let's chat. We're here to support you.
What Will You Learn?
- Disabilities and Impairments: Understand diverse needs.
- Physiology and Mobility Aids: Basics for effective teaching.
- Instruction Techniques: From warm-ups to cool-downs.
- Choreography: Create magic without genre constraints.
- Group Setup and Management: Be the dance catalyst.
Blended Learning: The IDT Experience
- Live Group Sessions: Connect with trainers and fellow students.
- E-Learning Platform: Dive into theory and practice.
- Weekly Sessions: An hour of inspiration, discussion and growth.
Assessments: Your Journey to Mastery
- Regular Assignments: Formative feedback along the way.
- Final Assessments: Written submissions and self-recorded videos.
- Retakes: We've got your back.
Rewards for Your Efforts
- Certificate of Achievement: Your badge of honour.
- 6 Months of Affiliate Membership: Dive deeper into the Para Dance UK community.
- Legal & Liability Cover: Dance with confidence.
- Industry News: Stay informed.
- Personal Development Opportunities: Elevate your skills.
- Business Support: Because you're not alone.
- Discounted Services: Perks for our dance family.
Ready to Dance? Let's Begin!
Join IDT: Where every step matters, and dance knows no boundaries. 🕺💃
- Investment: £650 per person (fully-funded spaces available)
- Inquiries: Email paradance@communities1st.org.uk
Benefits of Instructor Affiliate Membership

Unlock Opportunities Below:
Your Instructor Affiliate Membership
1. Liability Cover: Dance with Confidence
Rest assured that your dance sessions are covered.
- Public and Products Liability: Up to £10,000,000 coverage (with a third-party Property Damage excess of £250).
- Terrorism Coverage: £2,000,000 protection.
- Professional Liability: Up to £5,000,000 (with an applicable excess of £500).
- Cyber Liability: £50,000 (with a 12-hour time excess).
- Legal Expenses: Up to £250,000, including employment disputes compensation awards (aggregate limit of £1,000,000 per insurance period).
2. Stay Informed: Industry News and Personal Growth
- Newsletters: Receive industry updates, funding opportunities and heartwarming stories.
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Enhance your skills through training opportunities.
- Access to 50+ Online Development Courses: Expand your knowledge and expertise.
3. Business Support: Nurturing Your Journey
- Business Start-Up Assistance: Get guidance as you embark on your dance journey.
- Policy Templates: Streamline your administrative processes.
4. Discounts: Perks for Our Dance Family
- DBS Checking Services: Discounted rates for background checks.
- Training Courses: Learn and grow at reduced costs.
- Services: Enjoy discounts on essentials like bookkeeping and hall hire.
5. Membership Details
- Free Six-Month Affiliate Membership: Upon completing the Inclusive Dance Training course.
- Annual Fee: £100 (Discounted to £60 if your annual income is below £20,000).
6. Community and Ethos
- Para Dance UK and Communities 1st: Your membership connects you to a supportive community.
- Guidance: Set up groups and run sessions within your community, aligned with Para Dance UK's ethos and ethics.
Come read through some of the experiences our instructors have had!
1. Trainer 1
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Para Dance UK isn't just a place to teach dance; it's where magic happens. As an instructor, I've witnessed transformations—both physical and emotional. The joy on our dancers' faces when they master a step or sway to the beat—it's priceless. Para Dance UK celebrates every victory, every twirl, and every connection. It's not just about dance; it's about creating a world where everyone belongs."
2. Trainer 2
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Joining Para Dance UK was like finding my dance soulmates. The community radiates positivity, and the inclusivity is contagious. As an instructor, I've learned that dance isn't about perfection; it's about expression. Our dancers come from all walks of life—some with wheelchairs, some with invisible challenges—but on the dance floor, they're all stars. And when the music starts, barriers dissolve, and we become one rhythm."
3. Trainer 3
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Para Dance UK isn't just about teaching steps; it's about nurturing dreams. I've seen shy individuals blossom into confident performers. Our dancers aren't defined by their disabilities; they're defined by their passion. The IDT course equipped me with tools beyond dance—it taught me empathy, adaptability, and the power of a supportive community. And when our dancers take the stage, they're not just dancing; they're rewriting their stories."
4. Trainer 4
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Being part of Para Dance UK feels like being part of a movement—a movement that celebrates diversity, resilience, and the sheer love of movement. As an instructor, I've choreographed dances that defy gravity and expectations. Our dancers don't just learn steps; they learn courage. And when we perform, we're not just dancing; we're rewriting the narrative of what's possible. Para Dance UK isn't just an organization; it's a heartbeat."

Case Studies
In the dance world, case studies are like captivating stories in a dancer’s portfolio. These stories combine words and visuals to show how dancers tackle challenges and artistic projects.
By sharing their creative process, technical growth, and emotional journey, dancers reveal their unique artistry and dedication. Whether it’s overcoming a physical limitation, mastering a complex choreography, or interpreting a character, these case studies give us a peek into a dancer’s passion, resilience, and artistic growth.
Just as designers use case studies to showcase their expertise, dancers use these narratives to express their love for movement and inspire others on their dance journey.
That having been said, you can always check out our case studies below! 🌟🎭🕺
"It's good for you, good for your brain."

Jack thinks inclusive dance is awesome! He loves all styles of dancing and all types of music. His favourite song is Walking on Sunshine.
Click here to watch a recording of Jack explaining why he likes to participate in inclusive dance.
"Try it but don't take it seriously. Use it for the fun that it is!"

Jackie, 58 years old, is a part-time wheelchair user who signed up for our inclusive dance videos during lockdown. In the 80’s Jackie was awarded a bronze, silver and gold medal through entering dance competitions and enjoyed attending regular dance classes with her daughter.
After suffering a spinal stroke in 2012 which led her to have limited mobility, Jackie stopped dancing as she thought that this was now beyond her. Instead she continued to enjoy the power of dance through watching her daughter.
During the pandemic Jackie found that she was using her wheelchair more often and struggled keeping active in lockdown, mainly staying in one room in the day while her husband worked in another. She came across Para Dance UK’s inclusive dance videos through a spinal injury group on Facebook that had shared the opportunity and thought she would sign up and give it a go. She was not disappointed.
Jackie found the sessions fun and they made her feel good. They were inclusive to her disability and it was nice to be able to do something that was just for her. Taking part in the videos helped her increase her activity during lockdown and re-connect with her love for dance again.
Her advice to anyone thinking about trying dance for the first time is:
“Try it but don’t take it seriously. Use it for the fun that it is!”
"Being disabled doesn't and shouldn't stop you!"
Lorraine, 52 years old, is an athlete and part-time wheelchair user who signed up for our inclusive dance videos in January. Previously working for the Navy, Lorraine was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2014 just as she was about to join the ambulance service.
Having never danced before Lorraine joined a local dance group in 2015 which was run by one of Para Dance UK’s instructors. Her mind was blown at the freedom that dance provided her with and that you could learn to dance from sitting in a wheelchair. Dancing gave her a new zest for life and she enjoyed the social aspect of being with other people and how much dance increased her confidence. Since she started dancing she has entered into two competitions and is looking forward to future opportunities to compete.
When Lorraine first heard about the inclusive dance videos that Para Dance UK were offering she signed up immediately, keen to learn and absorb everything that she could. The sessions made her feel happy and she loved the mix of the different genres. Having previous dance experience Lorraine found the sessions simple to follow and particularly loved the way that routines were broken down into sections. She enjoyed them so much she has gone back to them many times to practice the final routines.
The videos made her feel part of something during the global pandemic and despite not being able to see the other people who had signed up she felt connected through the power of dance as she knew that they were being enjoyed by others during the lockdown period.
Lorraine’s advice for people thinking about trying dance for the first time is
“Please try it because it gives you such freedom. Being disabled doesn’t and shouldn’t stop you! Make the most of it and never say never.”
"The benefits for our pupils were immense."
Waverley School, SEN, Schools Project 2017/18
Our school received ten wheelchair dance lessons with Michael. We had up to 16 pupils involved each week, with eight pupils having the further opportunity to participate in the London Youth Games with a showcase piece. Over the ten weeks, it was fabulous to see the pupils involvement grow as they got to learn the songs and showed clear enjoyment of wheelchair dancing through their facial expressions, their smiles and their vocalisations.
Our pupils this year all required full adult support to move them in their wheelchairs as none were able to independently move their own wheelchairs. However, over the ten weeks we all worked hard to establish a real partnership between our pupils and their supporting partners; supporting them with getting to know the dances which for our pupils with severe learning difficulties requires repetition. We also worked to develop clear signals with our partners and this became a big part of our showcase dance; for example, a clear touch to our partner's right shoulder before turning right. This resulted in a dance that we felt truly proud to show at the London Youth Games at the Copperbox.
We all felt our pupils were fully involved and that under Michael's superb direction we performed a beautiful partner dance. This was further enhanced on the day when due to a technical fault our music failed and our audience of all the other schools competing sang our song for us. It was a really beautiful moment which felt SO inclusive and will remain with us all forever. We were so touched by the complete support of all the competitors and so many people came and told us that our dance was fantastic! Back at school, we shared the video with our school and parents so they could see this very special moment!
Building from what we learned with Michael we also went on to prepare a second dance to participate in the Enfield Dance Festival at the Millfield Theatre. Again we worked hard to ensure that this was a partner dance and we responded to our pupils responses. Another very successful dance and again our pupils received a lot of praise. We look forward to sharing this dance with our school.
The benefits for our pupils was immense; they all clearly enjoyed our weekly dance sessions and showed recognition of the songs that we repeated. This is a great skill for our pupils. Social skills were also developed as it was something to enjoy together and celebrate the fun we were all having; a real capture of the joy of dancing. Our two performances were also a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to shine and to receive a great applause on both occasions.
Our staff also learned much from our lessons. Our pupils' responses encouraged us as their supporting partners to involve them as much as possible, to work really hard at supporting our partners to get to know the dances and to give clear, consistent cues to help our partners understand the next moves. I feel as the teacher of this group that it helped to consolidate all these skills and really put them into practice, which made us much better partners! One of our TAs has also undertaken the wheelchair dance course offering her the opportunity to become a leader. We look forward to the dances we will continue to work on in the future.
We were all (pupils and staff) so proud of what we had achieved and look forward to developing this further for next year. I was so inspired by the support of the competitors at the Copperbox that I would love the opportunity to develop this further with our pupils next year and am looking forward to inviting local secondary schools to do an integration project with a para dancer; with their pupils supporting our pupils to participate; I am excited by this and think it could be an amazing experience for all involved.
"My favourite thing about being a dance instructor?"
Not only does Para Dance UK progress dancers across the UK through both regional and national competitions, as well as developing highly competitive athletes at an international level, the charity also aims to develop and promote dance as an inclusive leisure activity across the country
To do this, Para Dance needs instructors who not only have the dance skills across many different disciplines, from Latin and ballroom to jazz and tap, but who also have a passion for dance that can be passed on to those in attending classes.
Lisa Nixon is a perfect example of such an instructor. Lisa has been an instructor for Para Dance since 2016. Before that, she trained at the Bush Davies School of Theatre Arts and Education and the London Studio Centre – prestigious places to hone a craft that had been part of Lisa’s life for years.
“I started dancing aged four with ballet, tap and gymnastics,” Lisa explains, “I fractured my spine when a space hopper shot out from under me around 7 years of age, and I was lying flat for a full six months.
“After that, I went back to dancing, but took up Latin and ballroom which both include more lateral movements in place of jumping up and down.
“Dancing became a kind of therapy. Even now, no matter what kind of day I am having, when I come out of class I always feel much better.”
Lisa doesn’t hesitate when asked why she thought Para Dance was the ideal organisation to instruct with: “My mother had Parkinson's,” she says, “and, as I lived five hours away from her, I thought that if I trained in my local area it may lead to my good karma going out into the world and someone from her area deciding to train and being able to help my mum.”
That initial reason for getting involved with Para Dance has since led to many more reasons to stay a part of the organisation, and of spreading the joy that Lisa has found in dancing.
“My favourite thing about being a dance instructor?” Lisa muses, “I love it when people realise how much progress they are making. Especially when it is over a short space of time, or when they are suddenly able to do something that has been eluding them.
“I think that there is something particularly special about Para Dance sessions, too,” she adds; “As with all dance sessions, you are transported into a place where all your worries fall away: a brief respite from whatever you are dealing with.
“With Para Dance sessions I feel, more than ever, that you are also transported to a place of equality. Your movement might not be identical to that of the person next to you, but then, neither is your nose!
“We are all unique. Being somewhere that you are able to express yourself and let yourself be immersed in the music fully is priceless. To know that your contribution of movement is valued and accepted as equal to that of anyone else, especially if that is a more creative version, is to be welcomed and cherished.
“Para Dance classes are also the place to realise that everyone has their own struggles. As a participant, sometimes you can see and adopt strategies that others have discovered before you. Sometimes you can even find that, actually, there is someone who looks to you as a model of motivation and determination in order to help them along their own journey.”
And if she had to pick one reason to recommend dancing to everyone? When put on the spot, Lisa smiles; “For me, it is being able to become healthier, happier, and friendlier without realising that you are actually working pretty hard to achieve it.”
Contact Us
Want to contact us directly, learn more and discuss your queries further as soon as possible?
Absolutely! Please email us on paradance@communities1st.org.uk or call us at 01727 649980.
P.S. Our telephone lines are open on Mondays - Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00.