Dancerise

Description

Dundrum Arch Club is a social for adults with an intellectual disability run by a team of volunteers. It’s a voluntary charity that runs thanks for grants, fundraising and weekly subs paid by members. Our club celebrates 50 years in 2026 and without our club many of our members would have no social outlet. The Dancerise programme ran for 6 weeks over the Spring term. Our committee discussed some ideas with our members who came up with lots more suggestions and this project was a firm favourite. John is an amazing teacher and has being involved with our club for many years now. He brings an energy to our club through his salsa dance class and encourages the less active members to dance! The atmosphere is electric and we also include our transition year TY students. By raising awareness of the benefits of dance, we have made it easier for everyone to take part in our dance programme and bring them together over a period of a few weeks.

Aim of Initiative

The aim was to keep our older members minds and bodies active through dance. Many of our members lost their confidence and agility during Covid 19 and as much as can on a weekly basis we have tried to support them by introducing different programmes throughout the year – one of which is Dancerise. It also helped promote inclusivity and ensures all our volunteers continue to have great connections with our younger and older members. Learning how to salsa dancing is a new skill for our members and also strengthens their coordination skills and above all is so much fun too.

Who is it aimed at

Our older members with an intellectual disability but Indirectly everyone benefits

3 Steps critical to success

1. 1. Discuss with committee and members and review interest.
2. 2. Secure a dance teacher – South East Salsa and agree dates and location.
3. 3. Use social media and club newsletter to promote the programme

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Funding the Dancerise programme
2. Trying to encourage more older members to take part even if doing salsa dancing sitting down.
3. Having enough helpers each week to support the dance teacher.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. 1. Our youth volunteers had more social interactions with our members on the dance floor which was a pleasure to see.
2. 2. Increased physical and mental awareness and also members became more active in their daily lives.
3. 3. More positive attitude to dance and was also adaptable sitting down too.