Sam has been dancing at The Bridge since May 2017. The Bridge is Health for All’s Learning Disability Service for adults, based at Holbeck Community Centre in Leeds.

Initially she was quite quiet and tended to observe the others dancing. She only joined in with stretching, breathing or relaxation exercises. Our dance practitioners discovered that Sam enjoyed having a specific role and sharing her movement. Vicki, Sam’s support worker, explained, “Sam struggles to join in but she has really impressed me with how she is remembering the routines. Sam has really come out of her shell and she is less shy towards new people since dancing.”

Sam’s confidence has grown steadily and she now joins in more and smiles more whilst dancing. She has even taught the group a short sequence she created on her own. At the end of the programme Sam performed for a live audience for the first time and afterwards asked, “Can we dance again on stage?”

“Sam is more confident and working in partners has really helped her with remembering people’s names and forming stronger friendships. Sam had never performed before and so it was a huge step for her, performing last week. She loved it though and it was such a good experience for everyone.”
Vicki, Sam’s support worker

Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.