Welcome to our “Meet the Team” page! We are proud to introduce our dedicated dance, art, and music instructors, who are passionate about bringing joy to people’s lives through shared activities. Each member of our team has been carefully chosen for their experience, kindness, patience, and participant-led approach.
We believe in the power of keeping active, engaging with others, and learning new skills as effective ways to combat loneliness and foster collaboration among people from all walks of life. Our instructors are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Creative exploration is at the core of our philosophy, and we strongly believe in the transformative impact of the arts. Our instructors are qualified, with a strong emphasis on professional development. They hold current DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks and are fully insured to ensure the safety and well-being of our participants.
At IMPCAD, we champion every individual’s diverse talents and abilities. We celebrate each person’s unique contributions and encourage collaboration and connection through dance, art, and music. Together, we strive to create a vibrant community where creativity flourishes and shared experiences bring joy to all.
Get to know our exceptional team of instructors below and join us in embracing the power of creativity and exploration.
Amanda is the Director of IMPACD C.I.C & Todo Latino Dance Co.Ltd. She loves helping people express themselves, improve their fitness and make new connections through dance.
Amanda Hose-Hawley is a remarkable individual who has made significant contributions to the field of dance teaching and learning. With an unwavering passion for inclusivity and accessibility, she has dedicated herself to revolutionizing how people approach the Laban method of actions and dynamics through her groundbreaking work as the Director of IMPCAD CIC.
Amanda’s journey began with a strong foundation in dance education. She distinguished herself by graduating with Distinction from Trinity Laban in 2022, where she earned a Level 6 diploma in dance teaching and learning. Her time at Trinity Laban not only honed her technical skills but also instilled in her a deep understanding of the transformative power of dance.
In 2023, Amanda embarked on a research residency at FABRIC, formerly known as dance4. This opportunity allowed her to collaborate closely with specialist dance leaders who shared her vision of inclusivity. Together, they set out to develop a groundbreaking movement prompt tool called IMP (Inclusive Movement Prompt). IMP aims to make the Laban method of actions and dynamics accessible to all bodies, regardless of their previous experience or how they present themselves.
Amanda completed the research residency through her diligent efforts, leaving an indelible mark on the dance community. IMP not only opens doors for individuals with diverse backgrounds and abilities but also shatters barriers that previously limited participation in the Laban method. Her innovative tool empowers dancers of all levels to engage with and excel in the art of movement.
As the Director of IMPCAD CIC, Amanda continues to drive positive change in the field of community dance. Under her leadership, IMPCAD CIC has become a pioneering organisation that promotes inclusivity and accessibility in dance. Amanda’s unwavering commitment to creating spaces where all bodies can thrive has been instrumental in shaping the future of dance teaching and learning.
In addition to her professional achievements, Amanda is known for her warm and approachable nature. She has a gift for connecting with others and inspiring them to embrace their unique abilities. Her infectious enthusiasm and genuine care for the well-being of her students and colleagues make her a beloved figure in the dance community.
Amanda Hose-Hawley’s journey exemplifies the power of dedication, innovation, and a steadfast belief in the transformative power of dance. Her tireless efforts to make the Laban method of actions and dynamics inclusive and accessible to all bodies serve as an inspiration to dancers and educators around the world. With her continued contributions, Amanda is reshaping the landscape of dance education and paving the way for a more inclusive and vibrant future.
Experience the transformative power of drumming in Andy Harris’s inclusive drumming circle, held every Tuesday at 11:15 am at IMPACD C.IC as part of the “Freedom to Explore” Project.
This accessible and safe space warmly welcomes individuals with autism and mental health challenges who may be feeling lonely or isolated.
Andy, an experienced leader known for his friendly, calm, and patient approach, creates a nurturing environment where everyone can thrive.
This drumming circle promotes emotional expression, social interaction, and personal growth through rhythmic beats and collective engagement. Andy’s expertise and understanding will guide you on this drumming journey, helping you explore your potential and build confidence.
Join us for this empowering experience of self-expression and community connection, where you’ll find support, acceptance, and a vibrant sense of belonging.
Emma Ford, a cat-loving, enthusiastic vegan, is a phenomenal photographer and a beautiful soul who is an experienced Arts leader. Emma’s ability to connect with people on all levels creates a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. Her guidance allows individuals to tap into their artistic potential, unleashing their unique perspectives and ideas.
Through this collective art creation, barriers dissolve, and a sense of belonging emerges. Each contribution, regardless of experience or ability, adds to the richness and depth of the final piece. The process becomes a testament to the beauty of diversity and the power of human connection.
Together, under Emma’s leadership, participants embark on a transformative journey of creativity, empathy, and self-discovery. By transcending boundaries and embracing the shared experience of art, individuals create something visually stunning and forge meaningful connections with one another. A remarkable and inclusive artistic community thrives through this fusion of art, leadership, and genuine connection.
Emma is also the photographer responsible for all our candid images. This is what she has to say about her experience of “IMPACD” is such a special and unique environment where groups and individuals can breathe and be without fear of persecution or judgment. I work hard to capture moments, un-staged and natural, during these beautiful workshops of movement and creativity that cut beyond the traditional pose to frame not only a look but a feeling. Documentary photography is all about capturing something real. That is why I find such joy in photographing alongside Amanda and her wonderful group. Having the chance to preserve memories forever on film is priceless, and I feel fortunate to play a small part in her beautiful work.”
Meet Milla Hanna, our incredible Djembe drum workshop facilitator who brings the vibrant rhythms of Guinea and Mali to life.
Milla’s workshops are designed for individuals of any level or background, catering to groups with no prior musical experience. As a valued member of our Freedom to Explore team, Milla delivers inclusive and accessible drumming sessions for our C.I.C.
What sets Milla apart is his consistently reliable and punctual nature and his professional and warm leadership style. With a perpetual smile and positive attitude, Milla creates a welcoming atmosphere where participants feel at ease. He effortlessly balances patience and kindness while maintaining control, regardless of the group’s size or participants’ abilities.
It’s no wonder that participants thoroughly enjoy their time with Milla, as he brings joy and a sense of fulfilment to each drumming experience.
Charlotte Tupper is a multi-disciplinary artist specialising in textile art
Charlotte uses her artistic background to find thematic approaches to bring sessions alive. She likes stimulating curiosity and creativity, and has the ability to differentiate between ages, interests and learning styles, to ensure everyone she works with is supported and engaged.
Charlotte has co-ordinated projects which are heavily shaped by community exchange, social connections and a collaboration of ideas.
As part of the Freedom to Explore project, Charlotte\’s participatory approach includes experimenting with everyday objects to create patterns and abstract shapes, with outcomes led by participants. Sessions are open-ended, collaborative, and situated within an inclusive and friendly environment where everyone can contribute.
Monica is a mindful and creative Colombian dancer with a diverse Somatics, Psychology, and Education background. She specializes in Spiral Dance, Egyptian, Persian, and Iranian styles, blending African and traditional Colombian dance elements. Monica has extensive experience working with vulnerable young adults and leading community-based projects that promote social integration through the arts.
Currently freelancing at Embodied Blossoming in Nottingham, United Kingdom, Monica utilizes somatic awareness techniques to address body-mind challenges and facilitate personal transformation and healing through movement, music, and embodiment.
From 2012 to 2019, Monica worked with Gateshead Council, delivering Movement and Dance courses for older individuals with Dementia and Alzheimer’s and young adults with learning difficulties and disabilities. Her courses focused on dance’s somatic and healing aspects to support learning, skill development, and overall well-being.
During her time with Gateshead Council’s Community Learning program from 2012 to 2008, Monica led various dance courses and workshops, including Transformational Dance, Bellydancing, Salsa, AfroColombian, and Zumba. These sessions aimed to reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and improve well-being and productivity.
Monica’s educational journey includes ongoing studies in Canada’s Spiral Praxis Advanced Studies Program. She also completed training in Awakened Bellydance facilitation in Bulgaria in 2017 and Inner Dance facilitation in the United Kingdom in 2016. Additionally, Monica holds a Foundation Degree in Teaching for Learning Difficulties, Zumba training, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education from Colombia.
Katie is a Community Dance Artist trained in contemporary dance and physical theatre. As a choreographer, performer and teacher, she has worked in different contexts and with different groups of people in different ways over the past 35 years.
Katie’s sessions are based on contemporary dance and include strengthening techniques and the opportunity to creatively explore a theme finding your way of moving and dancing. The style is generally smooth and safe, with low impact and low intensity.
As well as leading sessions with IMPACD, she is a sessional tutor in Dance with the Workers Education Association (WEA) and leading weekly Dance for Parkinson’s sessions.
In Devon, she led a range of weekly community dance classes, including dance for people living with Parkinson’s, classes for all ages and abilities, and classes for older dancers…. She also led intergenerational creative movement sessions in care homes for the elderly.
Katie loves to facilitate the creation of making dances. She will introduce stimuli into the classes, and everyone responds in their own way. Finding common ground and differences is part of the process of creating dances.
Katie originally studied environmental science and marine botany and has worked as a researcher alongside her dance and theatre practice. She is still very concerned about the environment and likes to explore themes related to this.
Rickay is a freelanced dance artist and movement facilitator graduating with a
First class Degree from Northern School of Contemporary Dance in 2021.
She is a performer with Yewande103, which is a black, disabled, and survivor-led
organisation. She has gone on to combine her interests in movement and well-
being by gaining a Masters’s Degree in Dance Movement Psychotherapy, graduating in 2023.
Her practice is based on therapeutic notions and authentic movement, which explores somatic processes to guide and direct the space. Imagination, imagery, and metaphor are at the forefront of her work, aiming to create a safe, inclusive environment that offers scope for interpretation,
collaboration, and play.
Her drive is to enrich and advocate for participants’ overall emotional and psychological well-being promoting belonging, connection, and trust. She has experience working with young and elderly people within the community.