Schools Strictly Come Dancing for the disabled

Heads inspire students whilst dancing for diversity

“Be brave!” us head teachers tell our students. “Put yourself out of your comfort zone!”

Well, seventeen of us are about to do just that as we swap our classrooms for a ballroom for a dazzling charity night of dance - Strictly Heads. Teachers from across London and the home counties have been rehearsing for months, polishing up their paso dobles and finessing their foxtrots to raise funds for the brilliant organisation: icandance.

The charity celebrates children and young people with disabilities, enabling them to thrive through dance and performance.

Our one-off show will take place at the Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster. Teachers have been paired up and bought their dancing shoes, ready to face our strict panel of celebrity judges.

As one of the Strictly Heads organisers and dancers, I have loved seeing our teachers, many of whom have never danced before, throw themselves into rehearsals after a hard day’s work, determined to put on a great show.

We started with a few mistakes and lots of laughs. As the weeks have gone on, the dancing has improved dramatically and, being a competitive bunch, the friendly rivalry between heads has become more intense with each rehearsal. If we’re not quite at Rose and Giovanni’s Strictly-winning standard, we will still put on a great show.

The idea for Strictly Heads came when I was talking to Simon Larter-Evans, Head of St Paul’s Cathedral School, and we realised we were both former dancers. Simon studied at the Rambert Ballet and I attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). We thought it would be fun to form a dance society and use it to fundraise for charity. We encourage our students to think about diversity, so icandance was a natural partner in this project.

Chief Executive Juliet Diener founded the charity in 2006. She explained: “We work with children and young people aged four to 25 years old with varied learning, social, sensory, and physical needs, including complex medical conditions. Dance can enrich lives, connect communities, and celebrate differences, and with the vision of making dance possible for all. The teachers are doing brilliantly. Despite their demanding roles, they’re so committed to their lessons and rehearsals, and are making incredible progress. I visited a rehearsal with some of our dancers from “I am more instinctive than accomplished but I am discovering a love of dancing and as the Head of a icandance and we were very impressed. It looks like the show will be incredible!” boys’ school it’s a powerful statement In keeping with the to show men can enjoy dance too.” charity’s ethos, a crucial part of Strictly Heads has been encouraging our school communities to think about disability inclusion and the power of dance to bridge differences. Heads have given assemblies on the subject, Juliet has been invited into schools to talk about her work and pupils have come up with fundraising ideas. In February we hosted a Youth Seminar where students of all abilities and ages from all the participating schools enthusiastically shared ideas about what dance means to them. Emily, 18, an A Level student and wheelchair user has been attending icandance classes since she was seven. She explained: “icandance has empowered me in a way nothing else could, my time there has never failed to put a smile on my face. When I joined I remember having a lack of confidence, icandance changed that. I have new friendship groups and have found a new way to communicate. I want to thank everyone involved in Strictly Heads because icandance is so important to us. We are so

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grateful for all your support.”

Her fellow wheelchair dancer, Denecia, 18, told the students: “Dance is the best way to show your emotions. Dancing is like watching a movie without any words. I am so glad I found icandance. Most of the time I don’t have much energy but going to the classes makes me so happy, I can see my friends and share good vibes.”

For one of our volunteers, James Davies, Head of Halliford School, Shepperton, Surrey, the evening will be particularly special.

James is recovering from sepsis but that hasn’t stopped him perfecting his routine with dance partner Sarah Raffray, Head of St Augustine’s Priory, Ealing. James says: “I have been walking with a stick for two years. My PA volunteered me for Strictly Heads without me knowing. I am so glad she did. I am more instinctive than accomplished but I am discovering a love of dancing and as the Head of a boys’ school it’s a powerful statement to show men can enjoy dance too.”

Strictly Heads will culminate in a dazzling display from all involved, but the journey to get to the night will have taught all of us so much about the power of music to join people together. So, even after the final curtain falls I hope our schools will, in the spirit of Strictly, “Keeeeeeeep dancing!” Schools taking part include: Channing, DLD College, The Dominie, Francis Holland Sloane Square, Halliford, Kensington Prep, Lochinver House, Maltman’s Green, North Bridge House, Phoenix School, Prince’s Gardens Prep, St Augustine’s Priory, St Margaret’s School, Thomas’s Kensington and Wandsworth Prep.

Strictly Heads will take place on Sunday, June 26, at the Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster Bridge. Tickets will be available via Ticket Tailor from March 15 To donate to icandance go to: www.icandance.org.uk

FAITH HAGERTY, Head of More House School, Knightsbridge www.morehouse.org.uk

TURN TO P17 to read about Cranleigh Prep teaching the children sign language

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