Para Dance UK Update

So what have we been doing?

We are thrilled to announce all our regular online inclusive dance sessions are now back in full swing. It has been so wonderful to see so many familiar faces and some new ones too.

Each week we laugh, chat, dance and have FUN!! Everyone who attends is so friendly and welcoming, we already have a fabulous group of people who regularly attend but there is plenty of space for more. There are no restrictions and within the four weekly regular sessions (term time only) there really is something for everyone, no dance experience is required and all ages and abilities are welcomed.

We like to get our dancers involved and each week we take music requests, and also regularly theme our sessions. The most recent one was "Valentine's day"! We really did feel the love. We also love to celebrate a birthday, we have already had two this year!! Tariq was the first to be celebrated. Tariq, who recently celebrated his 29^th Birthday, has been dancing with Para Dance now for quite some years. Then there is the wonderful Colleen from Cherry Orchard, who celebrated her 94^th birthday and is also a regular dancer with Para Dance.   They both are quite the groovers!

There really is no excuse, get involved! Register today to receive your Zoom link for the next available session #EveryoneCanDance.

If you know an individual or an organisation that would benefit from joining our sessions, please feel free to spread the word, let’s get everyone dancing.

Please see below for all the information about our dance clubs, just click the links and get ready to start your dance journey with Para Dance UK and Communities 1^st

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

• Dance Club (Adults) - Mondays, 10am-10.30am
• Through The Decades - Wednesdays, 11am - 11.30am
• Primary After School Dance Club - Wednesdays, 4.15pm – 4.45pm
• Dance Club (secondary school age & young adults)- Wednesdays, 5.00pm 5.30pm

For £10 per year

• Access to transport services including shopper bus and community car, day trips. (Locality restrictions apply)
• reduced price hot desking rates at Ver House,
• Bowls fees at a reduced price
• Handyperson services (Locality restrictions apply)
• Access to Para Dance activity classes
• DBS checks for individuals (charged at reduced rate)
• Community learning and awareness sessions

Elaine Kirby specialist in inclusive movement and dance operates two voluntary organisations, "The Wheely Different Theatre Company" and her dance team "Emotions".

Elaine is currently preparing for her latest theatre production, which is also their tenth-anniversary show celebrating past shows with song and dance. The current work highlights the need to take care of your mental health through group support and also by performing their very own production of A Black Country Christmas Carol, a silent film written, filmed and produced by the group.

She is also getting ready for her group to perform at the KFA National Festival 2024 on the 8^th of June at The Albert Hall, Nottingham. The theme of the festival is: Inspired to Dance. They will be presenting a performance that is fully inclusive featuring wheelchair dance, seated dance and Laban movement.

The team love to be involved with the festival and will be performing alongside over 200 able-bodied talented dancers. It means a great deal to everyone.

In Elaine's words “We are not called Emotions for nothing!”.

For more information about The Wheely Different Theatre Company you can follow and like their Facebook page, take a look they really are brilliant!

Wishing you Elaine all the best and we look forward to seeing more photos.

The Wheely Different Theatre Company/ dance team Emotions: Elaine Kirby

Do you have any exciting news you would like to share? We would love to hear your stories and see your photos/videos (please make sure you have people consent before sharing photographic images).

Please email your news to Selina Johnson