Registration is now open for Dance Westminster 2023, our innovative project aiming to encourage more disabled people in the community to be active.
The project is being delivered by Westminster City Council in partnership with Active Westminster Awards winner Step Change Studios and is open to people with disabilities aged 10 and over who live, study or work in the borough.
Dance Westminster gives people the opportunity to attend one of three free workshops where they can experience an inclusive, engaging dance class and learn a dance routine.
Participants will then take part in an audition where they can perform the routine and any other moves they want to show-off. Initially 9 finalists will be selected via the heats, with the 10th being chosen from the film clips submitted by participants who would rather enter online.
Our finalists will then be invited to take part in the grand final on 17th October in the ballroom at Porchester Hall, where they will perform with a professional dance partner for the 2023 Dance Westminster title, as well as The People’s Choice Champion chosen by the audience.
From ballroom to Bollywood dance, Dance Westminster is a pan-disability event for all abilities and no previous dance experience is required. Carers are welcome to participate with people they support, and a team of dance staff and volunteers will support everyone to take part, whether seated or standing dancers.
Councillor Cara Sanquest, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Resident Participation, Consultation Reform and Leisure said:
We’re very excited to announce the return of Dance Westminster, which is now in its fourth year.
The competition is open to residents of all ages with disabilities, including physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities. The programme will feature a wide range of dance categories, accommodating different styles and preferences, to encourage participants to express their individuality and creativity.
Through the Dance Westminster initiative, Westminster City Council aims to celebrate capabilities and creativity of disabled individuals. And by showcasing their incredible talent, we hope to inspire others to embrace their passions and overcome challenges.”
Rashmi Becker MBE, Founder of inclusive dance company, Step Change Studios said:
"It's so exciting to be presenting the fourth year of Dance Westminster. When we launched this community initiative, we wanted to support disabled people and people with long-term health conditions to be active through dance. By creating fun, free opportunities to dance and perform, we have seen Dance Westminster grow each year, with more and more people taking to the dance floor.
The spirit of Dance Westminster is about taking part: all ages and abilities are given the opportunity to shake, shimmy and show off their moves. Ten dancers are then selected to perform in a showcase event with a professional dance partner in front of a live audience. The showcase is free to the public to attend so we hope people with show their support by coming along and cheering on our wonderful dancers."
Registration for Dance Westminster is now open and anyone wanting to participate can sign up for one of the following workshops:
- 18th September (11am to 2pm) at Paddington Recreation Ground Dance Gym complex, Randolph Avenue, Maida Vale W9 1PD
- 20th September (10:00am – 12:00am) at College Park School, 1 Garway Rd, London W2 4PH
- 25th September (10:30am-12:30pm) at Beachcroft House Residential Care Home, 111 Shirland Rd, London W9 2EL
For further details and to register visit: https://active.westminster.gov.uk/dance-westminster/
Published: 24 August 2023