Dance Westminster: 3 Free Dance workshops in December 2019
I wanted to alert you to a wonderful opportunity for disabled people over the age of 11 who live, work, or study in Westminster !
Step Change Studios are working with Westminster Council on an initiative called ‘Dance Westminster‘ which aims to encourage disabled people to be active through dance. This is a free initiative which consists of 3 components:
-
Dance workshop:
People are invited to join one of 3 free dance workshops lasting 2 hours (during the day). Our inclusive dance workshops are pan-disability, and carers are welcome to join in also.
The size of the workshop with be no more than 30 participants each and will be led by an inclusive dance teacher and supported by other dance team members.
During the workshop, we will also teach a dance routine, which again will be adapted to suit different needs. Each dance workshop has a different dance theme – no dance experience is needed!
The dates of the 3 workshops are:
- 3rd December at Moberly Centre, starts 11am (Latin dance theme)
- 7th December at Tresham Centre, starts 11 am (musical theatre theme)
- 11th December at City of Westminster College, starts 9.30 am (Bollywood-hip hop theme).
Dance Audition:
After each dance workshop there is a 45-60 min break then participants are invited to audition for the Dance Westminster finals. Participants can audition on their own, with a carer or in groups (we will ask preferences on the day).
They are encouraged to dress up but this is optional. They will perform the routine we taught (and can also incorporate their own moves if they like).
A friendly panel will then select 3 people from each audition to go through to the finals. Every participant will receive a certificate and Westminster will also provide details of other inclusive sports available to try in the borough to encourage people to stay active.
Dance Westminster Finals:
Finalists from each audition will be paired with a professional dance partner who will teach them a performance routine.
The finalists will have four sessions of 2-hour lessons between 11th and 22nd January in the Westminster Borough. Dates and locations will be agreed with each finalist.
The finals event will take place in the beautiful ballroom of Porchester Hall on 23rd January during the day.
We hope every finalist will have their organisation, friends and family behind them cheering them on!
To participate everyone must pre-register.
For details and to register, please visit the Dance Westminster web page: www.westminster.gov.uk/dance-westminster
The spirit of Dance Westminster is very much about having fun, being active and being part of our community.
Things you need to know before you register (terms and conditions)
Dance Westminster is open to people with a registered disability over the age of 11 who live, study or work in the City of Westminster.
Participants of all abilities are welcome and we will provide different versions of dance moves, including for seated and standing participants. No previous dance experience is required.
Carers are welcome to participate in the workshop and audition with people they support.
Participants should select one workshop they will to attend. Participants may not attend more than one workshop.
There is a set number of participants we can accommodate in each workshop. If you register please ensure you can attend – or please inform us if you can no longer attend so that someone else can benefit from your place.
All workshop spaces are wheelchair accessible and have accessible bathrooms. If you have additional needs, please let us know in the registration form.
Participants should wear comfortable clothing and footwear for the dance workshop. Refreshments will be provided.
There will be a one-hour break between the workshop and audition. Participants are encouraged to ‘dress up’ for the audition.
Friends and family are welcome to the workshop auditions.
Ten finalists will be chosen across the three workshops. We will arrange 1:1 lessons with each finalist between 11th-22nd January to learn a dance routine to perform at the finals.
Finalists will be expected to attend all rehearsals or they may forfeit their place in the grand finals (excluding extenuating circumstance).
The grand final will be at Porchester Hall on 23rd January 2020. Before you participate in the workshop audition, please ensure you are available for the finals.
Participants/guardians will be asked to sign a mandatory health declaration form confirming that no medical professional had advised that they should not participate in physical activity.
Participants will be asked to sign an optional consent form for photography and filming at the workshops and finals.
Dance Westminster is an inclusive dance initiative and we ask all participants and their supporters to be respectful and supportive of each other and the spirit of the event. It is the discretion of Westminster City Council Dance Westminster organisers to withdraw participation at any stage if any participant is found to be in breach of the terms and conditions.
The judges’ decision is final.
Any queries concerning participation should be sent to ibannister@westminster.gov.uk
Rashmi Becker – Founding Director – Step Change Studios
Tel: 07976 363861 Website: www.stepchangestudios.com
Please help us to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to participate by sharing the competition on social media and other communication channels you have, and encouraging and supporting people to enter.
