All Posts By

Kathryn OToole

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!

Join Our New Inclusive Class for Young Adults!

Discover the Joy of Dance: Join Our New Inclusive Class for Young Adults!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new inclusive dance class for young adults aged 18 and over. This exciting program is open to everyone, whether you have special educational needs (SEN) or are a mainstream participant. Our goal is to create a welcoming and relaxed environment where everyone can explore the joy of dance and dance fitness.

What to Expect

Our inclusive dance class will focus on various styles of dance and dance fitness, encouraging creativity, expression, and physical activity. The sessions are designed to be fun and engaging, with a relaxed pace to ensure everyone feels comfortable and included. Each term will culminate in a performance, giving participants the opportunity to showcase their hard work and talent in front of friends and family.

Social Benefits

  1. Building Friendships: Our inclusive class provides a great opportunity to meet new people and build lasting friendships. Dancing together fosters a sense of community and camaraderie.
  2. Enhanced Communication Skills: Through group activities and performances, participants can develop better communication and teamwork skills.
  3. Boosting Confidence: Performing in front of others helps build self-esteem and confidence, encouraging participants to step out of their comfort zones in a supportive environment.
  4. Sense of Belonging: Being part of an inclusive group helps participants feel valued and accepted, promoting a positive self-image.

Physical Benefits

  1. Improved Fitness: Dance is a fantastic way to stay active. Our sessions will help improve cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility.
  2. Better Coordination: Learning dance routines enhances motor skills and coordination, which are beneficial for everyday activities.
  3. Increased Endurance: Regular dance fitness sessions help build stamina and overall physical endurance.
  4. Stress Relief: Dance is a great way to relieve stress and improve mental well-being. The physical activity combined with the joy of movement can lift spirits and reduce anxiety.

Performance Opportunities

At the end of each term, participants will have the chance to perform in a relaxed and supportive setting. This not only allows them to share their achievements with loved ones but also provides a sense of accomplishment and pride. Performances are a great way to celebrate the progress and hard work of all our dancers.

Join Us Today!

Whether you are a seasoned dancer or someone looking to try something new, our inclusive dance class is the perfect place to explore movement and fitness in a fun and supportive environment. Everyone is welcome, and we can’t wait to see you there!

For more information and to sign up, visit our website or contact us directly. Let’s dance together and create something beautiful!

About Us: Our organization is dedicated to providing inclusive and accessible dance and fitness opportunities for all. We believe in the power of dance to bring people together, improve well-being, and build a stronger, more inclusive community.

 

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Synergy Dance® Outreach gains National Lottery funding

PRESS RELEASE: 26 June 2024

Synergy Dance® Outreach gains National Lottery funding

Synergy Dance® Outreach is delighted to have been awarded National Lottery funding from Sport England to support their dance, fitness and yoga classes for those with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

The grant will allow Synergy Dance® Outreach to support members of the disability community to access innovative dance and movement classes.

Flexible Fitness – Synergy Seated Dance, Fitness & Yoga

The funded project will deliver 3 x 12-week programs of accessible weekly seated dance, fitness and yoga for older people, adults with disabilities, Long Covid and long-term health conditions in Brighton/Hove.

A set of 10 online video classes will also be delivered.

ParaStars Dance™ and ParaStars Yoga® are seated classes specifically designed for adults and seniors with disabilities, limited mobility, frailty or long-term health conditions. These classes are also suitable for participants with dementia, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.

ParaStars Dance™ sessions feature fun and uplifting music and dance moves that increase fitness, confidence, creativity and overall wellbeing.

Enjoyable routines enhance flexibility and muscle strength. The focus on posture and movement promotes stress reduction, and the exercise supports better health, improved toning and fitness and increased stamina, which all help to boost the immune system.

ParaStars Yoga® features calming music and gentle yoga poses that are perfect for increasing fitness, confidence, relaxation, and overall wellbeing. Participants engage in enjoyable stretching, breathing and relaxation exercises that enhance flexibility and core strength while benefiting from a soothing environment.

The classes bring harmony to the mind and body through postures and stretches, aiding focus and improving fitness, core strength, flexibility, motor skills, and posture.

ParaStars Dance™ and ParaStars Yoga® classes include both upper body-only and combined upper and lower body movements to cater to different abilities and needs. We offer differentiated seated movement options to accommodate all levels of ability and fitness. Our inspiring teachers get to know what each person needs most.

CEO of the charity, Rachael Hurton is thrilled to have been awarded the funding:

‘We are delighted to receive recognition and funding from Sport England and the National Lottery. We believe that dance, yoga and movement should be accessible to all, and we enable people of all ages and abilities enjoy our sessions both in person and online. This funding will open up our offer to more numbers of deserving people who can benefit from Synergy’s unique formula.’

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more details about the project please contact Kathryn O’Toole: kathryn@synergydance.co.uk

Synergy Dance® Outreach is a registered charity, determined to make a difference, offering an inclusive and hybrid model of activities for all, where different levels of fitness and finance are not barriers to participation.

About National Lottery

National Lottery players raise £30m every week for good causes, funding arts, heritage, sports, voluntary and charity projects around the UK. For more information on good causes in your area go to www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk

About Sport England

Sport England is a public body and invests up to £300 million National Lottery and government money each year in projects and programs that help people get active and play sport.

It wants everyone in England, regardless of age, background, or level of ability, to feel able to engage in sport and physical activity. That’s why a lot of its work is specifically focused on helping people who do no, or very little, physical activity and groups who are typically less active – like women, disabled people and people on lower incomes.

www.sportengland.org

Find out more about Synergy Dance® Outreach

Funding from Players of People’s Postcode Lottery

We have been lucky enough to have received funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, which has facilitated fun accessible dance classes for the young UK SEND community, including in person & online programmes for all to enjoy!

At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of young individuals within the UK SEND community. Through our facilitated, fun, and accessible dance classes, both in-person and online, we’re not just providing opportunities for movement and expression; we’re fostering a sense of belonging, empowerment, and joy.

Thanks to the funding for these programs, we’re breaking down barriers and creating pathways to inclusion. For many young individuals with special educational needs and disabilities, traditional fitness activities may seem out of reach or intimidating. However, through our tailored dance classes, we’re transforming perceptions and opening doors to new possibilities.

In-person sessions offer a safe and supportive environment where participants can explore movement, build confidence, and connect with peers. These classes aren’t just about learning dance steps; they’re about building friendships, boosting self-esteem, and experiencing the sheer joy of movement.

Our online programs further extend our reach, ensuring that no one is left behind. By leveraging technology, we’re able to bring the benefits of dance to individuals across the UK, regardless of geographical location or physical limitations. Whether it’s a live virtual class or an on-demand session, our online programs provide flexibility and accessibility for all to enjoy. The impact of our efforts extends far beyond the dance studio or computer screen.

Through dance, we’re promoting physical health, emotional well-being, and social inclusion. We’re empowering young individuals to embrace their unique abilities, celebrate their achievements, and be the best they can be. But perhaps most importantly, we’re creating moments of joy and inspiration that resonate far beyond the dance floor. With every twirl, leap, and smile, we’re proving that dance is for everyone—and that with the right support and encouragement, anything is possible. Together, we’re making a difference, one dance step at a time.

Find out more about our classes.

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Best All-Inclusive Fitness and Movement Class Provider 2024

Synergy Dance has already received many awards for its innovative and exciting dance, yoga and movement classes. Now we are proud to announce a new award: Best All-Inclusive Fitness and Movement Class Provider 2024 from the 2024 Business Elite Awards. These awards shine a light on the ongoing hard work and success of SMEs and their employees across the country who have excelled in their field.

SME News has a national reach to over 78,000 professionals and decision makers, so we are in good company! This prestigious scheme evaluates start-ups and larger firms using the same criteria and showcases a diverse range of companies from various industries.

We are delighted to have this recognition of our output which is aimed at both the mainstream and the disability community and is designed for all ages. Our classes are available both in person and digitally on demand, making it easier than ever for customers to access stimulating dance and movement activities at a time to suit their lifestyle.

So what do we do? Our workouts reach everyone, and we help people to feel good about exercise and well being. We build new life skills, confidence, self-esteem and independence, and foster positive friendships and relationships.

For example, our after school clubs and yoga classes for children are proven to help participants thrive. Sessions provide fun and stimulation, improve fitness and boost confidence. Creative classes can improve pupils’ academic achievement and social skills. Our clubs cover an exciting range of dance genres, and we  specialise on request.

At the other end of the age spectrum, we serve elderly people who may have hearing loss, back pain, depression or neurological conditions such as dementia. This group relishes our Sing for Joy sessions which can take place in care homes and involve nostalgic anthems and props.

This is just a small taste of our exciting and unique programmes. We achieved the award because we encourage everyone to participate and aim to reduce health inequalities in all we do. We will never give up supporting everyone who needs us across the age and ability spectrum!

The Benefits of SEND Ballet Classes

The benefits of SEND ballet classes for children with additional needs

Does your child dream of tutus and becoming a ballerina? Join our unique Special Educational Needs (SEN) ballet class to learn basic ballet technique, posture and style without the pressure of grades!

Designed for SEN students, this class is taught in a relaxed style. Parents/carers are welcome, and dressing up is encouraged!

Challenges of SEN children
It can be difficult for children with special needs such as autism or sensory processing difficulties to find enjoyable activities. These children might have poor attention, difficulty interacting with others, limited body awareness, or problems being in over-stimulating social situations. Participating in our relaxed dance sessions can help SEN children to overcome these challenges.

Some children with sensory processing difficulties or motor delay may not understand where their bodies are in space or how to work their muscles. For these children, dance fosters spatial awareness and improves coordination. For those who are autistic or nonverbal, the body can tell a story the child might not be able to vocalise.

The advantages of ballet
Dance promotes healthy living, offers a creative outlet for self expression, and provides a multitude of benefits for children with SEN.

Ballet for SEN children:

  • enhances body awareness
  • builds confidence
  • develops social skills
  • stimulates the mind
  • improves fine and gross motor skills
  • boosts the imagination.

Dance fosters individuality and creative thinking and stimulates the intellect. It can create an aura of peace, and permits children to express their inner being in a way that is non-judgemental, fun and engaging.

It is known that exercise boosts dopamine, the brain chemical that children with ADHD are thought to have less of. And studies have proved that when the body is active, the mind is stimulated. Children in ballet classes interact with the world and contribute to it in meaningful ways.

Dance allows children to break out of their shells and engage with others in pair or group work in a non judgemental and non threatening environment.

What does our ballet class offer?
At our ballet class for SEN children, we take the time to understand each child’s unique needs. We ensure an enjoyable and safe learning environment for all. Our class is inclusive and meets the individual requirements of each participant.

Our intention is to provide a safe space where every child can build confidence, be creative and develop new friendships. Our ballet class teaches the basics of balance, rhythm and coordination. We also encourage improvisation, enabling children to express themselves in unique and personal ways.

Socialization and teamwork are promoted in our class – children participate in group exercises, building collaboration skills. Every child is valued and respected, building a sense of community and belonging.

We provide a nurturing environment that encourages children to challenge themselves, try new things, and celebrate their progress. Let your child take part in our class to join the fun!

SENsational Ballet Class at Woking Leisure Centre: Saturdays 12:45 pm–1:30 pm

Age range: 7–15 years

Address: Woking Park, Kingfield Rd, Woking GU22 9BA

Other payment options such as monthly, or weekly payment plans are also available: please contact us using the email address below to set them up.

Please note, if your child has one-to-one support at school, it is essential for parents/carers to attend the class and support them – alternatively, one-to-one assistants may be arranged for an additional fee. Contact us to arrange an assistant

Term dates:

Saturday 20th April 2024

Saturday 27th April 2024

Saturday 4th May 2024

Saturday 11th May 2024

Saturday 18th May 2024

Saturday 25th May 2024

Saturday 1st June 2024 – no class, due to half term

Saturday 8th June 2024

Saturday 15th June 2024

Saturday 22nd June 2024

Saturday 29th June 2024

Saturday 6th July 2024

Saturday 13th July 2024

Saturday 20th July 2024

All past dates, half term dates and inset days will be deducted from the class price and you will not be charged for these events. Past dates are removed and the price is adjusted on a weekly basis. All highlighted dates have been deducted/removed from the club price.

Got a question? Feel free to email us; kathryn@synergydance.co.uk.

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Synergy Dance® Outreach Inclusive Dance Parties

Come and join us for one of our out of this world Synergy Dance® Outreach Inclusive Dance Parties and don’t forget, to invite all of your friends!

Synergy Dance® Outreach Dance Parties for Mainstream and SEND students

Our exciting dance parties (see below) bring a host of benefits. Dance helps children to maintain a balanced lifestyle and presents advantages in all areas of life. It provides a creative outlet that can physically refresh children and improve their mood. Group dancing relieves stress and is an outlet for creative imagination. Studies have shown that children who dance spend less time in front of screens, making them less at risk from obesity and other health problems such as high blood pressure.

Our dance parties promote stability, balance, body awareness and coordination. They can increase your child’s flexibility, range of motion, bone and muscle strength and stamina. As well as promoting overall health, dance can help kids with sports and other activities at school and beyond.

Through dance, children develop a range of movement and the ability to explore the world around them. Children taking part learn patience, listening and leadership skills. Dancing also improves coordination which fosters successful multitasking. Our parties develop kinaesthetic memory and endurance: this creates a solid platform for a child’s physical development and fitness.

Children taking part in our dance parties build up the courage to experiment with movement and challenge themselves. This bold sense of adventure is a skill children can use in all aspects of life. In a study of Stagecoach parents, 82 percent of participants felt their child’s general confidence improved as a result of attending dance sessions.

Dance provides an outlet for a healthy physical release that helps to develop emotional maturity – supplying a safe gateway for children to explore socially. Parties bring together children from a variety of backgrounds: participants have to communicate in new ways, building trust and making new friends. Taking part in a group activity promotes teamwork and develops the ability to function successfully when working with others. Dance parties also encourage imagination, providing opportunities to foster creative thinking.

Children at our parties learn to portray a message both verbally and with body signals, while dance can help the child to develop an understanding of their own body language as well as that of others. Perseverance and self motivation are stimulated, and dance parties encourage children to experiment and find different paths towards solving problems in all areas of life.

Synergy Dance® themed dance parties
Does your child love dancing? Celebrate your child’s birthday or special event with a unique dance party package! Synergy Dance provides bespoke parties in Surrey, Hampshire, London, Kent and Sussex.

Parties are delivered in leisure centres, private venues, schools and outreach centres. They take place mostly at weekends and during school holidays to celebrate your child’s birthday or other noteworthy events.

Choose your favourite theme or simply make it a Pop Dance party to the latest songs! We offer fabulous parties with our expert team of party hosts and teaching assistants. They will give you and your guests an experience that is out of this world! Furthermore, our expert team of party hosts are fully insured with enhanced DBS checks and Safeguarding compliance. They make sure that everyone enjoys the experience.

Bolt-on catering options are available for a one-stop, stress-free party experience in many of our leisure centre venues. Prices depend on the venue and the number of children attending.

Inclusive dance parties for SEND children
Synergy Dance® Outreach Dance Parties for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are full of excitement and fun, and operate the same way as mainstream events – see Synergy Dance® themed parties, above, for details.

Seated routines are available, and some customers request a combination of dance and yoga.

We planned a Disco dance party for my 5 year old with Synergy. The interaction with them was fantastic: they were helpful, they listened and adapted to our little one’s wishes and were always available (and super quick to respond) if we had questions. On the day, everything ran smoothly and all the 24 kids seemed to have lots of fun.’

For any questions, contact us here: admin@synergydance.co.uk

See our party packages and pricing here

Find out more bout our parties here