Care-experienced children and young people in Coventry are using the power of dance to build their confidence and create a sense of belonging.
Coventry City Council has partnered with the charity Care to Dance, to help young people improve their mental and physical wellbeing, build friendships and talk to others about what they are going through.
Care to Dance brings together a unique combination of social work and dance expertise, and creates dance communities that provide a safe, inclusive, relaxed and fun space where young people can build relationships and feel a real sense of belonging.
There are weekly classes for children and young people aged from 7 to 25-years-old, and the group environment enables them to develop friendships and find a sense of belonging among others who understand what it means to have been in care.
Trained staff are on hand to support the young people through anything that might come up during the workshops.
One youngster said: “Everyone needs somewhere they feel like they belong, where they feel safe and have positive, long-term relationships. For me, this has been Care to Dance. I feel free, and I can forget about everything else happening in my life just for a little while.”
Another said: “Joining Care to Dance lets me be free. It has helped me to dance in a place with no pressure to be perfect. Dancing is an outlet for me to express myself and makes me feel happy. I can really put my emotions into my dancing and I love it.”
Cllr Patricia Seaman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “This is such a great scheme as it helps children and young people meet others in the same situation, and have fun while building skills and confidence.
“They learn dance skills, but also so much more. They build leadership and communication skills and build their confidence and self-belief to show them what they can achieve.”
The courses build skills across multiple genres and young people can complete Dance Leadership qualifications so they can lead sessions themselves. There is also a chance to connect with the dance industry and get a taste of professional dance classes.
The programme then ends with an opportunity to perform in front of an audience and a social event to celebrate their achievements and reinforce their friendships.
Learn more about the charity.