All Posts By

Kathryn OToole

Synergy Dance® Outreach on TV for Comic Relief!

We are incredibly proud to share Synergy Dance® Outreach’s recent appearance on TV for Comic Relief, highlighting one of our impactful outreach projects. This was a fantastic opportunity to share the power of inclusive fitness and dance, and how it transforms lives.

A true highlight of the feature was Sam, an inspiring young dancer whose journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the months, Sam has not only honed his dance skills but has also stepped up to assist in classes. His dedication, enthusiasm, and natural leadership abilities have now led him to Deputy Lead a class, a role in which he continues to inspire both his peers and instructors. Seeing him shine on screen was a powerful moment—his passion is contagious, bringing energy and joy to every session. He inspires us all.

At Synergy Dance® Outreach, we firmly believe in making dance and fitness accessible to all. Visiting our classes in person always reaffirms just how vital inclusive opportunities are for children and young people. Dance is more than movement—it’s a chance for self-expression, social connection and overall well-being. We witness firsthand how our sessions empower participants, helping them stay active, make friends, build confidence, and most importantly, have fun!

A huge thank you to Comic Relief for supporting our mission and amplifying our work, by helping to fund our assistants for this class – as well as to our dedicated class leader Ren, our longest serving Synergy teacher, and with us from the very start, our hardworking assistants, and the entire Synergy team. Your passion and commitment make moments like these possible! It’s a total team effort.

Watch our appearance here: https://vimeo.com/1069437931

We look forward to expanding our outreach and creating many more opportunities for children and young people to thrive through dance and fitness.

Join us in making a difference! Want to find out more about possibilities to train with us or join our instructor team? Contact admin@synergydance.co.uk

Finalist for Non-Profit Business of the Year at Club Hub Awards 2025!

We are thrilled to announce that Synergy Dance Outreach has been shortlisted as a finalist for Non-Profit Business of the Year at the prestigious Club Hub Awards 2025! Being recognised among the top organisations in the children’s activity sector is an incredible honour, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this news with our community.

The Club Hub Awards celebrate businesses that go above and beyond to provide outstanding opportunities for children and families. With over 261 applications received from 195 businesses, being selected as a finalist is a testament to the dedication and passion of our amazing team, volunteers, instructors and supporters.

At Synergy Dance Outreach, our mission has always been to make dance, movement, and fitness accessible to all, including children with disabilities, long-term health conditions, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through our inclusive programmes, we empower young people to stay active, build confidence, and experience the joy of movement, no matter their circumstances.

The awards will be announced at the Club Hub Event 2025 on Saturday, May 10th, in Birmingham, where we will join an inspiring group of industry leaders for a day of learning, networking, and celebration.

Message from the Founder:

“We are incredibly proud of everything the charity has achieved. Our mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the life-changing benefits of movement and activity. Seeing the smiles, the friendships formed, and the growing confidence in every participant is a powerful reminder of just how transformative dance can be!”

We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has supported Synergy Dance Outreach along the way – from our incredible funders to instructors and volunteers to the families, schools, and partners who believe in our vision. This nomination is not just for us; it’s for every child who has found joy, confidence, and community through our programmes.

Exciting New Dance Classes with Challengers in Surrey!

Exciting New Dance Classes with Challengers in Surrey!

Synergy Dance Outreach is thrilled to announce our brand-new Family Dance Club sessions in partnership with Challengers in Surrey. Starting the week commencing 20th January 2025, these inclusive dance sessions promise fun, movement, and creativity for children with additional needs and their families.

What’s on Offer?

  1. Venue: Guildford Play Centre, Stoke Park, London Road, Guildford, GU1 1TU
  2. Dates: Weekly on Wednesdays or Thursdays, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
  3. Duration: 1-hour sessions
  4. Age Range: 4 to 14 years
  5. Schedule End Date: Week commencing 24th March 2025

These sessions are designed to be a welcoming and inclusive space where children and their families can dance, bond, and express themselves. Siblings are welcome to join the fun, making it a fantastic opportunity for families to connect and create cherished memories.

Why Attend?

Dance is not only a fun activity but also offers numerous benefits for children with additional needs, including:

  1. Improved motor skills and coordination: Dance helps children develop physical strength and flexibility in an enjoyable way.
  2. Enhanced social skills: Participating in group activities fosters communication, teamwork, and friendships.
  3. Boosted confidence: The supportive environment encourages children to explore their creativity and express themselves freely.
  4. Family bonding: Dancing together strengthens family connections and offers shared moments of joy.

With the support of parents and caregivers, our sessions ensure every child feels safe, included, and empowered.

Join us in creating a space filled with music, movement, and smiles.

For more information or to book your spot, visit the Challengers website: https://disability-challengers.org/

Let’s dance together and make 2025 a year to remember!

New SEND Music Programme with Youth Music

Synergy Dance Outreach Launches New SEND Music Programme with Youth Music Funding

We are delighted to announce the pending launch of our exciting new project, Synergy SEND Singing Stars, made possible thanks to generous funding from Youth Music, Arts Council England, and The National Lottery Good Causes. This innovative programme will provide a transformative music and singing experience for children and young people with special educational needs, LTHC and disabilities (SEND).

The Synergy SEND Singing Stars programme is designed to empower participants through creativity, self-expression, and musical exploration. The project will deliver specialist workshops tailored to the unique needs of children and young people with SEND, including those with ill health, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, or special educational needs.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore and perform in various musical styles and genres, including musical theatre, pop, R&B, rap, and music from films. With professional guidance, they’ll also have the opportunity to compose and create their own songs, lyrics, or spoken word pieces. By focusing on the interests and goals of the participants, we aim to foster an inclusive, supportive, and inspiring environment where creativity can flourish.

In addition to workshops, the project will connect with Music Progression and Careers events for participants and their families. These events will highlight the broad range of opportunities in the music and creative industries, featuring guest speakers with real-world experience. From performance and songwriting to production, design, and management, the programme aims to inspire participants to dream big and consider careers in the arts.

Synergy SEND Singing Stars is a celebration of inclusivity, talent, and the transformative power of music. Together, we’re opening doors for SEND children and young people to express themselves, grow in confidence, and explore their potential.

Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this inspiring journey!

#MusicForAll #SENDMusic #SynergyDanceOutreach #YouthMusic #CreativeArts #Inclusivity

Join Synergy Dance for an Inclusive Dance Workshop in Reading!

Join Synergy Dance for an Inclusive Dance Workshop in Reading!

At Synergy Dance, we believe in the power of movement to inspire, connect, and uplift. This Friday, we’re bringing that spirit to life with a unique and inclusive dance workshop at The Warehouse in Reading – specially designed for children who are visually impaired.

This isn’t just a dance session; it’s a celebration of creativity, confidence, and connection in a supportive and inclusive space.

What to Expect

Explore Exciting Dance Styles
From street dance to commercial and musical theatre, participants will discover a variety of dynamic dance styles, guided by expert instructors who ensure everyone feels welcome and engaged.

Build Confidence and Creativity
Through fun choreography, interactive activities, and props, dancers will develop their confidence, express themselves, and tap into their creativity.

Family-Friendly Fun
This is a space for everyone. Siblings and family members are encouraged to join in, making it an enriching experience for all.

Our workshop features movement options tailored to all abilities and mobility, ensuring every participant feels included and empowered.

Practical Details

Location
Synergy Dance Workshop
The Warehouse, 1a Cumberland Rd, Reading RG1 3LB

What to Bring

  • A packed lunch and snacks (hot drinks will be provided).

What to Wear

  • Comfortable clothing and sensible footwear. Don’t forget socks, in case we dance without shoes!

Parking
There’s plenty of parking available at Wycliffe Baptist Church, which is connected to The Warehouse. Access the church car park via Cumberland Road or Kings Road/Rupert Street/Norwood Road, and follow pedestrian signs to The Warehouse.

Why Join Us?

This workshop is more than just learning dance moves – it’s about fostering a love of movement, celebrating individuality, and creating lasting memories in a welcoming environment.

So, whether you’re a budding dancer or simply looking for a fun, inclusive activity to enjoy with family, we’d love to see you there. Let’s make this Friday an unforgettable celebration of joy, creativity, and connection!

🗓️ Mark your calendar – we can’t wait to dance with you!

A man with Down’s syndrome from Surrey

We were delighted to received a visit from BBC Children In Need reporter, Julia Moore, at our Woking SEND Dance and Movement class which takes place on Saturdays at 11.30am. We are incredibly grateful to Children In Need for all their support!

A man with Down’s syndrome from Surrey has achieved his dream of becoming a paid dance teacher.

Synergy Dance Outreach, which runs classes for children and teenagers with special needs, has promoted teacher Samuel Denne to a paid position following training.

After a class at Woking Leisure Centre, Mr Denne told BBC Radio Surrey he hoped his promotion would “encourage” people with disabilities.

The charity had benefited from a £45,000 Children in Need grant, which founder Rachael Hurton said ensured the group would continue.

She said: “I can safely say this class wouldn’t be happening without their support. We’re so grateful.”

Continue reading – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyvk0zkpl6o

You can also listen to Sam and Rachael on BBC Radio here – https://vimeo.com/1029995106?share=copy

To attend one of our classes, go here: https://synergyactive.co.uk/v2/#book

To find out about us, and what we offer please go here – www.synergydanceoutreach.co.uk 

Cash for Kids Fundraiser

🌟 Exciting News from Our Cash for Kids Fundraiser! 🌟

We are thrilled to share some incredible news from our recent Cash for Kids fundraiser! 🎉 Our very own Kathryn was nominated for the Sports Challenge Champion Award, and we are overjoyed to announce that she WON! 🏆✨

This recognition not only highlights Kathryn’s hard work, endless initiative and dedication but also contributes an additional £500 to our club! This generous support will help us continue our mission to provide amazing opportunities for our young athletes.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and supported us throughout this journey! Your contributions make a real difference in our community, and we couldn’t have done it without you. 🙌❤️

Let’s keep the momentum going! Stay tuned for more exciting updates and events. Together, we are making a positive impact for our kids!

#CashForKids #FundraiserSuccess #SportsChallengeChampion #CommunitySupport #ThankYou

Include Summit 2024

The Include Summit 2024, held at the Lee Valley VeloPark in London, is a leading event promoting sports inclusion, diversity, and equality. Synergy Dance Outreach was delighted to attend to come together to discuss, share, and create strategies for playing sports and dance more accessible and inclusive for all individuals, regardless of background, ability, gender, race, or other differences. We provided a warm-up for all attendees to get everyone moving!

It was great to have the chance to connect and collaborate with like-minded individuals who are passionate about driving change in the sports world.

The summit addressed crucial topics such as inclusive coaching practices, accessibility in sports facilities, and breaking down barriers for marginalized communities. It provided valuable insights and tools for making sports environments more welcoming.

We were able to share our success stories, case studies, and innovative approaches to fostering inclusivity, with visitors to our stand. This knowledge exchange will also equip participants with practical methods to implement inclusivity in their sports settings.

We support Commitment to Change: The Include Summit encourages accountability and action, inspiring attendees to be advocates for diversity and inclusion within their organizations and communities and we will continue to strive to Make a Difference in all our delivery. Through our inclusive training programmes, we will also offer the education and tools necessary to drive positive change.

To find out more about Include Summit, go here.

Best All-Ages Movement & Wellness Company 2024

We are thrilled to announce that Synergy Dance has been recognised with the prestigious award for Best All-Ages Movement & Wellness Company 2024 – South East at the Seventh Annual Southern Enterprise Awards, hosted by SME News. This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing inclusive dance, fitness, and wellness activities for all, and we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to SME News for this honour.

At Synergy Dance®, our mission is clear: to get everyone moving, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance. Our live and On Demand workouts cater to a wide range of individuals, including children, teenagers, adults, seniors, and those with disabilities or barriers to exercise. We believe in empowering everyone to embrace fitness as a way of life, and our programs are designed with inclusivity at their core.

One of the key aspects of Synergy Dance is our hybrid fitness model, which combines both in-person and digital delivery to reach as many people as possible. Through partnerships with leisure centres, schools, care homes, universities, local councils, and the NHS, we are creating opportunities for individuals from all walks of life to stay active and healthy. Our fully inclusive fitness packages provide a comprehensive service, ensuring that our partners can offer a variety of inclusive activities that meet the needs of their communities.

We are particularly proud of our innovative programs, which include not only mainstream fitness options but also specialized activities for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) participants. Synergy Dance® is at the forefront of industry trends, developing programs that target underrepresented groups, such as the ageing population and those with disabilities.

We are on a mission to expand fitness participation beyond the 15% of people who are currently active, aiming to reach 85% market penetration by offering accessible and engaging options for everyone.

Thank you to our amazing team, partners, and participants for helping us achieve this recognition. Let’s continue to move forward together, breaking down barriers and making fitness inclusive for all.

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A Heartfelt Thank You to the National Lottery

A Heartfelt Thank You to the National Lottery

A Heartfelt Thank You to the National Lottery: Supporting Our Saturday Workshops in Guildford

We are thrilled to announce that Synergy Dance Outreach has received funding from the National Lottery to expand our Saturday workshop programmes, in Guildford, Surrey, designed for children and young people with wide-ranging Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and long-term or life-limiting health conditions.

We believe in the transformative power of music and movement for children and teens, and this funding will support Saturday workshop programs that are specifically designed to provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where children and teens can explore their creativity, improve their physical health, and build social connections.

What This Funding Means to Us

At Synergy Dance Outreach, we are dedicated to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where every child can thrive.

The funding is supporting the positive impact we strive to make in the lives of children and young people in our community. Here’s how this incredible support will help us:

Increased Accessibility The funding allows us to make our workshops more accessible to a broader range of children and young people.

Inclusive and Safe Environment Creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment is at the heart of our program.

The Impact of Our Workshops

Our Saturday workshops are designed to provide a holistic approach to the development and well-being of children and young people with SEND. Here are some of the key benefits our participants experience:

Physical Health and Fitness: Through dance, music, and movement, our participants improve their physical health, coordination, and motor skills in a fun and engaging way.

Social Connections: The workshops offer a unique opportunity for children and young people to build friendships, develop social skills, and feel a sense of community and belonging.

Emotional Well-Being: Engaging in creative activities helps reduce anxiety and stress, promoting emotional well-being and allowing participants to express themselves freely.

Confidence and Self-Esteem: Through improvisation and imaginative play, children and young people gain confidence and self-esteem, empowering them to take on new challenges both inside and outside the workshop.

Communication Skills: Integrating MAKATON signing and interactive activities enhances communication skills, especially for non-verbal participants, ensuring everyone can express their needs and emotions effectively.

A Special Thank You

We extend our gratitude to the National Lottery and its players for making this possible. Your support will be making a tangible difference in the lives of children and young people in Guildford, Surrey. It allows us to provide a nurturing and empowering environment where every participant can thrive, grow, and reach their full potential.

We are excited about the future and the continued positive impact our workshops will have on the community. Thank you for helping us to make a lasting difference.

Together, with the support of the National Lottery, we are making a brighter, more inclusive future for children and young people with SEND. Thank you!

Join Us: We invite you to join us on this incredible journey. If you are interested in our Saturday workshops, volunteering or want to learn more about how you can support our mission, please visit our website or contact us on manager@synergydanceoutreach.co.uk

Book a class, or find out more!