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Transformative Short Breaks for Children with High Support Needs

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


At IMPACD CIC, we have delivered exceptional short breaks for children with high-level support needs. Our innovative approach to dance and movement has provided profound social and emotional benefits for the children and their families.

Our sessions, held every Saturday morning, offer a safe and supportive environment where children engage in enriching activities. Using our groundbreaking Inclusive Movement Prompt (IMP) tool, children explore new movements and improve their physical coordination. The professional guidance from our kind and patient dance leaders ensures that all children, regardless of their abilities, can participate fully.

Parents have noticed remarkable progress in their children. One parent shared, “My child, who struggles with social interactions, has learned to share and take turns. The group dance activities have boosted his confidence and social skills significantly.” Another caregiver highlighted the physical benefits: “The dance sessions have improved my child’s coordination and made her more confident in her movements.”

Our programme is more than dance; it is about creating a community where children feel included, valued, and free to express themselves. The positive feedback and visible improvements in the children’s skills are a testament to the success of our short breaks provision.

We are committed to continuing this groundbreaking work and are excited to see more children thrive in our care.

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 Hose-Hawley is the Director of IMPACD C.I.C and Todo Latino Dance Co. Ltd.

She has a strong background in dance education.

She graduated with high honours from Trinity Laban in 2022.

She earned a Level 6 diploma in dance teaching and learning.

She improved her skills and learned how dance can change lives.

In 2023, Amanda started a research project at FABRIC, which used to be called dance4.

This gave her the chance to work with expert dance leaders who also believed in inclusivity.

They created a new tool called IMP.

IMP stands for Inclusive Movement Prompt.

IMP helps everyone to use the Laban method of movements.

The Laban method is based on eight movements to express yourself with your body.

She loves helping people to show their feelings, get fit and make new friends through dancing.

She has a deep passion for making arts inclusive.

She has contributed a lot to the field of the teaching and learning of dance.

Amanda continues to push for positive change in community dance.

She is committed to creating a space where everyone can participate.

Amanda is a warm and friendly person.

She is able to connect with others.

She inspires everyone to embrace their own abilities.

She is enthusiastic and really cares about her students and colleagues.

This makes her a loved figure in the dance world.

Amanda shows how hard work and a strong belief in the power of dance can make a big difference.

She works to make dance easy for all to enjoy.

Her efforts inspire dancers and teachers everywhere.

Amanda is changing how dance is taught.

She is helping to create a future where everyone can take part.