Registration open for Dance Westminster 2024

Registrations are now open for Dance Westminster 2024, in what will be the 5th year of Westminster’s brilliant inclusive dance competition aimed at encouraging more disabled residents in our communities to be active.

The project is being delivered by Westminster City Council in partnership with Westminster’s renowned inclusive dance academy 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 nine finalists will be selected via the heats, with the 10th being chosen from the videos submitted by participants who feel more comfortable entering online.

Our finalists will then be invited to take part in the grand final on 15 October in the spectacular ballroom at Porchester Hall, where they will perform with a professional dance partner for the 2024 Dance Westminster title, as well as for The People’s Choice Champion chosen by the audience. The ten finalists will have one-to-one rehearsal time with their professional partner ahead of the final to perfect their routines.

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:

“This year marks the 5th year of Dance Westminster, a celebration of the talents and creativity of people with disabilities in Westminster. We are delighted that this joint project between Step Change Studios and Active Westminster will provide an opportunity for people with disabilities of all ages to get active, express themselves, make new friends, and have fun together, supported by staff and volunteers.

“I would strongly encourage residents to get involved - regardless of your skill level, confidence, everyone is welcome. And for those who aren't taking part, the performances at the final will make you laugh, cry and cheer. Dance Westminster really is a celebration of the very best of Westminster.”

Rashmi Becker MBE, Founder of inclusive dance company Step Change Studios said

"The 5th Dance Westminster initiative is a significant milestone. We established Dance Westminster in partnership with Active Westminster as a creative way to support disabled people to be active. One in five adults in Westminster are inactive and disabled people are disproportionately impacted. We wanted to provide an inclusive, fun opportunity for disabled people to access dance and achieve their potential.

“Dance Westminster has provided additional opportunities through a weekly inclusive dance class, and finalists have performed at different events including award shows, and the Paralympic torch lighting ceremony in Stoke Mandeville. It has been rewarding to see people develop and to celebrate their achievements over the years and I am excited to meet this year's participants."

Registration for Dance Westminster 2024 is now open and anyone wanting to participate can sign up for one of the following workshops:

§ 30th August, 2pm – 3:30pm-12.30, Forrester Court, Cirencester Street, Off Harrow Road, W2 5SR. This session is for older disabled people over the age of 50.

§ 13th September, 10.00 – 11.30, Queen Elizabeth 2 Jubilee School. This session is for disabled children and young people ages 10-19.

§ 18th September, 10.30-12.30, Everyone Active, Paddington Recreation Ground. This session is for young people & adults 18+. ·

For further details and to register visit: www.westminster.gov.uk/dance-westminster