The programme has been running in Gorton, East Manchester, delivered by Mercedes Cox of ‘Active Me’, are based in the heart of East Manchester at a local dance studio two evenings a week.
Key to the programme’s success is the family atmosphere that has been created. Mercedes explained: “Dance can be quite unfriendly, so I wanted to create an environment where everyone could come and feel at home.”
This friendly approach has not only helped to retain members and allow the group to grow, but with continued support the participants are now experiencing an increase in body confidence and self-esteem. These health and well-being attributes are further enhanced by the group’s success in national dance competitions. The group performs regularly at community events, such as the recent BCA Cheer and Dance competition.
When asked what she thought of the sessions one of the young people said:
“At the sessions you are surrounded by people who come from totally different lives to yours. Not only can you learn from each other, but it makes you look at yourself as a different person. This has really improved me socially”.
Another said:
“The programme has taught us many things such as teamwork, how to get along with new people and, most importantly, it has taught me about self-discipline.”
The girls and young women have also started taking it in turns to volunteer at the sessions and deliver sections of the class themselves. In addition to this, 10 girls are currently completing their Level 1 Dance Leader’s award and have already gained work experience by delivering six hours of dance to 40 children at a recent holiday camp.
Most recently the girls performed at the Active Communities Network 10 Year Anniversary Awards, where they also picked up the award for the Best Programme Engaging Girls and Young Women.
