Inclusive dance school launches new day programme for disabled adults at Northampton theatre

An inclusive dance school has launched a new day programme to give disabled adults the chance to experience the theatre.

After the roaring success of Born to Perform Dance School’s online sessions during lockdown, which provided pupils with a sense of normality, the organisers have now expanded.

Parents were keen for the sessions to continue after lockdown, so the school has now started day provisions at The Deco where students can get involved with dance and drama on a big stage.

Kim Carey, one of the founders and organisers, said: “The daily lockdown sessions started slowly but they really built up.

“We had parents saying that it was fantastic and that they’d never seen their child so happy.

“They didn’t want the sessions to stop after lockdown finished so we started doing some summer workshops outside.

“Then at the start of September, when we were allowed to, we moved to The Deco.”

The sessions at the theatre are specifically for over-16s and are hosted for the whole day, twice a week on a Monday and a Thursday.

Due to the current coronavirus restrictions, all pupils are in bubbles and have to space out around the theatre, social distancing is being practiced and there are enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures in place.

Kim added: “The pupils do dance and drama sessions and we get to use the big stage.

“They get to really experience the theatre and they will be doing performance arts courses soon, as well as hopefully work experience within the theatre, when we can.

“The Deco has been great. Before lockdown when we were no longer able to host sessions as we used to hold them in a school, they offered us the use of their facilities.

“They are a lovely, family-run company, they have everything in place for Covid and everything has run smoothly.”

Since pupils have been back to in-person dance and drama sessions, which are currently running at full capacity, Kim has seen just how much the day school helps, not just the adults but also their parents.

“It has been really hard times so when we were finally able to open everyone wanted a celebration of something positive rather than it being all about places closing,” she continued.

“The pupils all absolutely love being back. Dance makes you feel good, it releases endorphins and it’s great for mental and physical wellbeing.

“I think they are also glad to be back to seeing and safely socialising with friends after so long just seeing them on Zoom.

“It’s helping parents so much as well. Their children are actually able to get out and they know they are safe, so they can get some respite too.

“We are overwhelmed with how quickly it has taken off. We’ve had to adapt to these times but we will continue with this to give as many people the opportunity to take part as possible.”

To get involved in the day provisions, search ‘Born to Perform Dance School’ on Facebook or email [email protected].

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