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Celebrating Success: IMPACD CIC’s First 6 Months Creating a Community of Inclusivity and Joy

a woman kneels on one leg, her hands infront of her face, she has her head bowed in dance. She wears a yellow cardigan and blue jumpsuit,, her haid is short and grey. Behond her on the dance studio wall is a graffitti of a pride coloured bird wings

Written by

Amanda

How Creative Activities and Dance Have Transformed Lives and Fueled Collaboration

Introduction:

At IMPACD CIC, we embarked on a journey six months ago to build a vibrant community where creativity, dance, and inclusivity thrive. Today, we are ecstatic to share our remarkable success story, as we not only exceeded our attendance targets but also formed local partnerships and significantly impacted our participants’ lives. Our journey has transformed, reduced loneliness and isolation, and fostered a sense of belonging for all.

Exceeding Attendance Targets and Local Partnerships:

The overwhelming response from our community has surpassed our expectations. Through word-of-mouth and enthusiastic support, our attendance has soared beyond the initial goals we set. We are deeply grateful for the growing number of individuals, families, and organizations who have joined our journey.

Our success is not just about numbers but the profound partnerships we have forged within our local community. Collaborating with like-minded organizations and community leaders has allowed us to create a united front, working together towards a shared mission of empowering lives through creativity and dance.

Improving Quality of Life and Reducing Loneliness:

The heart of IMPACD CIC beats with a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all our participants. Through our multi-generational and inclusive activities, we have witnessed remarkable improvements in our attendees’ physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

In particular, we take immense pride in addressing loneliness and isolation. For older adults and refugees, finding a sense of belonging and companionship has been transformative. The community of friendship and kindness we have nurtured within Ward 6 has become a beacon of hope for those seeking connections and support.

Effective Integrated Sessions for All:

Our dedication to true inclusion shines brightly through our integrated sessions. Whether wheelchair users, walking aid users, or able-bodied individuals, everyone takes part together in our activities. This inclusivity fosters understanding, empathy, and a sense of unity that transcends physical abilities, creating an environment where all can thrive.

Empowering Through Community Dance Activities:

Creative activities and dance have proven to be powerful tools in transforming lives. Participants have discovered newfound confidence, self-expression, and joy in exploring their creative potential. The positive impact of these activities has rippled through our community, spreading happiness and inspiration.

Expansion Plans:

While we celebrate our successes within our walls, our ambitions extend beyond. We are determined to take our activities to new frontiers, reaching those who may not have access to such enriching experiences.

Our vision includes engaging with hospice end-of-life care, residential care facilities, and psychiatric secure units. By bringing the power of creativity and dance to these settings, we aim to provide comfort, healing, and joy to individuals during challenging times.

Amanda Hose-Hawley’s IMP Tool and Leadership Development:

A key aspect of our success has been the implementation of Amanda Hose-Hawley’s IMP (Inclusivity, Movement, and Passion) tool. This framework has guided our approach, ensuring that our activities are driven by true inclusivity and passion for making a positive impact.

We are excited to share this tool with enthusiastic community leaders and participants, empowering them to create their own impactful community dance activities. Through our leadership development program, we aim to nurture level 2 and 4 leaders who will carry the torch of inclusivity and creativity in their own communities.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on the first six months of IMPACD CIC, we are filled with gratitude for the support of our community and the transformations we have witnessed. We have created a tapestry of joy, inclusion, and empowerment where creativity knows no bounds.

Our journey has just begun, and we invite everyone to join us in fostering a world where dance and creativity unite us, transcending barriers and cultivating a community of friendship and kindness.

Let’s continue to dance, create, and inspire together!
A middle-aged slender female session leader with short dark hair, wearing a blue jumpsuit and yellow cardigan, eyes closed and serene-looking, moves her arms pensively. Beautiful wings which adorn the back wall of the IMPACD studio seem to come out of her back like a bird in flight.

amanda accessible community dance

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.