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Kathryn OToole

Kathryn OToole
In Latest News

Benefits of after school clubs

There are many benefits of after school clubs and over the years they have evolved dramatically and nowadays offer broad choices ranging from origami to pizza club.

Why after school clubs succeed
Clubs began by providing extra supervision for school children from working families, However they now offer immense possibilities for young people – both academic and social – and can help children to thrive and develop new skills and abilities.

Sporting activities can support pupils’ physical development, while artistic and creative classes can improve their academic achievement. Sessions provide motivation, fun and excitement and enable participants to enjoy new experiences. Classes improve fitness, foster self esteem and confidence, and support the academic curriculum.

Academic advantages
Clubs of all sorts are shown to foster improved academic ability and social skills. Successful classes may include maths, English, creative writing or a language. And physical classes such as dance and ballet also provide these benefits too. Research has proven that children involved in after school activities get higher grades compared to their peers who did not take part. This effect is marked in disadvantaged youngsters from poorer homes: pupils from this background who attend activities make significantly more progress by the age of 11.

And after school clubs and activities are also good for the schools who host them. Better academic performance of students taking part in clubs has a knock-on effect on the school’s exam pass rates – boosting their performance in league tables and making the school more desirable to prospective parents.

After school clubs may take place in schools, libraries or other local bodies. The most productive learning areas are those where children show natural aptitude – whether in art and design, maths, English, drama or dance. It is very important that the child enjoys the activity and has fun after a long day at school when they may be tired. And when a young person is engaged productively in an activity, this is when they learn most effectively and retain information.

After school clubs offer the advantages of good relations with the staff, low cost, ease of access, flexibility and familiarity with the environment.

Synergy after school clubs
Our after school classes cover an exciting range of styles, and we can specialise on request. Delivery is for both mainstream pupils and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Our clubs enable pupils to be involved in class design and delivery. We offer rewards and encourage peer-to-peer support.

Classes include a warm-up, cool down, dance drills, fitness elements, exciting routines and improvisation. Synergy Dance routines can be performed in assemblies and school showcases. Lessons appeal to both girls and boys. We share pupils’ development over the term and parents/carers are invited to attend the End of Term View. This way they can share our excitement at their children’s progress! We also deliver school holiday workshops.

Furthermore we provide high-quality instruction and delivery, and good-value, inclusive classes. We can help your school to target inactivity levels and reach the recommended one hour of exercise per day. Find out more about our afterschool clubs.

Kathryn OToole
In Latest News

Benefits of Dance for Children with ADHD

There is no doubt that dance has many benefits for children or all ages, such as improved coordination, stamina fitness and so forth. But did you know about the benefits of dance for children with ADHD?

Continue reading to find out more about how dance could help your ADHD child or teenager.

Typically, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with difficulties of focus and attention. It is usually diagnosed between four and six years. Symptoms may peak at seven or eight years and then recede, although it often lasts into adulthood.

Difficulties of ADHD
Children with ADHD have neurodiverse needs. They may display some or all of the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty paying attention to detail.
  • Problems remembering combinations of movements.
  • Making careless mistakes in schoolwork
  • Struggle to stay focused on tasks or in play.
  • Trouble completing tasks, projects, and chores.
  • Try to avoid tasks which do not hold their attention.
  • Easily distracted.
  • Forget to complete simple daily tasks.
  • Seem to be constantly moving.
  • Fidget frequently.
  • Talk a lot or blurt out answers.
  • Seem to act before thinking.

In dance classes, children with ADHD can have a hard time standing still, plus finding movement skills, coordination and learning more of a challenge. They may also be perfectionists who are hard on themselves. The need to control anxiety may appear in what mental health professionals call ‘stimming’ or self-stimulating repetitive behaviour.

How dance can help
Dance is beneficial as it improves confidence, aids in motor coordination, and helps with memory and confidence building. Studies have found that focusing on movements acts as an anchor for the mind and brain of those with ADHD.

Exercise also boosts dopamine, the brain chemical that people with ADHD are thought to have less of. Adding dance, including ballet, to the programme for children with ADHD can help with dopamine neurotransmission in the brain and alleviate cognitive difficulties.

Children with ADHD are mentally challenged, but the way their brains work might actually bestow some advantages in dance lessons. For example, children with ADHD may easily be able to attain a hyper-focused ‘flow state’, especially if they are deeply engrossed in a task or activity. They may also understand choreography as a whole, rather than as a series of separate movements. One study found that ballet dancers are more likely to display ADHD traits than the rest of the population.

Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) fosters social interactions and the sharing of feelings as well as teaching self-control. The more a child focuses on dance and movement, the more their overall focus in the rest of life can improve. Meanwhile, mindfulness meditation can help children with ADHD to feel grounded, and listening to music calms the mind and acts as a form of self-medication.

Synergy dance programmes for ADHD
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) community includes children with ADHD, who are often marginalised and miss out on opportunities to engage in dance and movement. We wholly support this group and deliver inclusive dance and yoga for SEND children, teens, adults and seniors.

All children, regardless of whether they are able bodied, disabled or unable to cope in a mainstream environment, deserve the opportunity to participate in dance and movement and sport. Our SEND classes can be exciting and liberating for challenged children and adults with ADHD.

Our SEND instructors are highly trained to provide an all-inclusive dance and fitness programme. Seeing children with ADHD interacting in a safe environment and being able to take part in something they might not otherwise be able to do is our goal.

To these children being able to take part is just as thrilling as winning a race! We take care to cater to the individual needs of children with ADHD in our classes, and our parties allow participants to choose the music and dance styles from a variety of themes. All of these exciting offerings make our programme a fabulous resource for children with ADHD.

Book a class today.

Find out more about Synergy Dance Outreach

Kathryn OToole
In Latest News

The Benefits of Yoga as we Age

In light of our new ParaStars yoga programmes and Yoga for mainstream we decided to do some research on the benefits of yoga as we age, and here’s what we found!

Yoga minimises the risk of strain or joint pain for elderly people who want to stay active. It is a wonderful option that can keep you flexible without straining your muscles and boost your mood.

Research suggests that yoga has numerous benefits for older people:

Better sleep habits Yoga can help you sleep soundly. A study found that seniors practising yoga reduced the time it took to fall asleep by ten minutes on average, and sleep duration improved by an average of one hour.

Improve strength and protect joints – even if you have arthritis. One study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis and those without the condition both experienced better grip strength in the hands after practising yoga. Yoga can reduce the risk of conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Manage type 2 diabetes After practising yoga for 40 days, a group of 30-to 60-year-olds with type 2 diabetes saw a significant fall in their blood sugar levels.

Reduce high blood pressure One study discovered that patients with mild to moderate high blood pressure saw a decline in readings after three months of daily yoga. There was a similar drop in cholesterol, blood sugar and triglycerides.

Lose weight Older people who practise yoga every week for at least four years have around 1.4 kilograms less weight gain than the average adult.

Reduce anxiety and improve mood People who enjoy yoga often report a decline in their anxiety and better mood. Research suggests that yoga is better at this than other forms of exercise. Yoga practice causes high levels of the brain chemical GABA, which calms the body.

Aid chronic pain One study found that those with chronic pain either improved or maintained their symptoms after four weeks of yoga; all patients significantly reduced their pain medication.

Help breathing and the lungs One study discovered that yoga practice can boost lung capacity by 10 per cent after 40 days. Bronchial asthmatics have also benefited from just 30 minutes of yoga breathing techniques.

Bone strength Yoga helps seniors at risk of osteoporosis by slowing bone thinning. Research has shown that it is even possible for older people to gain bone density when practising yoga.

Enhance mental states and prevent cognitive decline Yoga practice can reduce stress and maintain energy levels, which can boost the mind. Various studies have explored yoga’s beneficial effect on stress and anxiety. One study showed that women who completed two yoga classes a week for three months reported less depression and enhanced wellbeing. Regular practice is associated with anatomical changes in the parts of the brain that deal with ageing-related cognitive decline.

Maintain flexibility Yoga minimises the strain associated with strength training and high-intensity exercises. As a low-impact exercise, yoga carries less risk of injury and helps seniors build muscle strength and joint flexibility. Gentle stretches maintain a good range of motion in participants.

Synergy ParaStars Yoga® for Adults & Seniors is a seated yoga programme for adults/the elderly with a disability or long-term health condition or limited range of movement. Benefits for adults and older participants include better posture, fitness, physical and motor skills, spatial awareness, balance, coordination and flexibility as well as the improvements listed above.

This stress relieving programme increases confidence and range of movement and enriches everyday life. The lessons include some exercises for the upper body only and some exercises for both the upper and lower body to offer diversity and different levels.Seniors should start gradually with yoga, especially if they have a long-term health condition. Synergy instructors take into account each participant’s level of fitness and experience when delivering our fun and stimulating yoga classes.

Find out more about online programmes here.

Benefits of Yoga as we age

Kathryn OToole
In Latest News

How Music Eases Stress

How music eases stress and how Sing for Joy can help
Stress affects us both mentally and physically. It can show up as a feeling of being overwhelmed, having racing thoughts, and experiencing anxiety or panic attacks.

A multitude of studies have proved that music can effectively combat stress. While both classical and ambient music are known for their soothing effects, listening to any genre of music brings relief.

How does stress affect the body?
Stress has a biological effect that stimulates the release of certain chemicals in the body. In high stress situations, our blood pressure and heart rate increase, and our adrenal gland starts producing cortisol, the ‘stress hormone’.

In the short-term stress can help us to focus and achieve things, but when too much cortisol is released over time, it can be exhausting and create a state of ‘fight, flight or freeze’. Long-lasting stress can develop into an anxiety disorder, depression, or chronic pain.

How music improves stress symptoms
As well as stimulating positive emotions, listening to music, and singing are associated with better physical health and wellbeing. Singing releases endorphins (hormones which accompany pleasure) and improves our sense of wellbeing.

Through the use of functional MRI scans, a 2011 study demonstrated that music increases dopamine – the ‘feel good’ hormone – in the brain, affecting the same areas that process pleasurable feelings such as the satisfaction of food cravings.

An overview of 349 studies found that 68.5% of musical therapy interventions helped to relieve mental health conditions including schizophrenia, major depression, and bipolar disorder.

One study found that music therapy prevented burnout in operating room staff. Staff who listened to music were less stressed and felt less of an emotional burden.

A 2018 survey found that 62% of participants used music to help them fall asleep, these people were morelikely to have higher quality sleep than those who didn’t listen to music.

Music also played a vital role in improving people’s experiences during the pandemic. A survey of over 5,600 people across 11 countries showed that music helped people to cope and achieve their wellbeing goals during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Research has also proven that listening to music prior to experiencing a stressor yields a faster recovery.

For people with Alzheimer’s disease, which affects many of our clients, music can improve behaviour and cognition. This leads to improved quality of life and symptom relief.Finally, music aids mindfulness. It allows those singing or making music to become immersed in a cathartic activity, calming the distracting stream of consciousness.

How does Sing for Joy use music to ease stress?
We provide enrichment, pleasure, and stimulation for elderly people through inclusive singing sessions. We sing in care homes, hotels and at corporate and social events.

Our objectives are to enable older people to have fun through singing, gentle dance, and movement sessions. Other activities, such as memory recall, enhance participants’ health and wellbeing.

Our enjoyable singing sessions include a sensitive mix of Musical Theatre songs, jazz, sing-along wartime songs, national anthems, opera snippets and fun anthems like Bring Me Sunshine from Morecombe and Wise. We bring along props such as scarves, maracas, and tambourines to encourage audience participation.

Effort is always made to connect on a personal level with each resident. It’s not just about the singing, it’s about providing company and colour to an often-repetitive day.

We provide weekly sessions and often coincide with birthday celebrations or special occasions. We are especially experienced with participants with dementia or Alzheimer’s, people with mental health conditions and those at the end of life – helping to lift mood, provide gentle exercise and bringing a touch of magic to everyday life! Get in touch today and use music to help ease stress!

Find out more about SingForJoy.

Find out more about our charity Synergy Dance® Outreach.

Kathryn OToole
In Latest News

What happened this week on Strictly Come Dancing?

Catch with what happened this week on Strictly Come Dancing as Rachael Hurton and James Cannon talk about it live, on air!

On Monday 20 November Rachael Hurton talked all things Strictly Come Dancing with James Cannon at Radio Surrey. The previous week saw dancers based at Blackpool in the majestic setting of the Tower Ballroom floor. Bobby and Dianne faced Angela and Kai in a dance off, and the latter couple went out.

A clip was played of Angela Rippon saying how the last few weeks had been terrifying, glorious and joyful all at once, and she had the time of her life. She said there was a team spirit like nowhere else. She praised Kai as being an old soul on young shoulders – the age gap between them did not matter, and he was a terrific teacher. He and his partner Nadia are beautiful people, she said.

Rachael commented that this was one of the best ballroom showcases she had sat through as a whole on Saturday.

She thinks that Angela can be really proud of herself, and that she conducted herself with dignity and grace. Rachael loved Angela’s posture and elegant poise. She commented that Angela is amazingly fit for 79 – an inspiration to everyone!

Rachael went on to comment that Synergy classes include yoga and pilates, as well as dance and online and in person classes for all ages. Pilates is about posture and alignment, yoga works on flexibility, toning and strength, and if you can combine this with dance it’s fantastic.

Never having been to the Tower Ballroom, Rachael had nonetheless heard about the famous “bouncy floor”. The presenter commented that they have a tea dance every day there.

When asked about Bobby, Rachael mentioned that Bobby has been flagged up as having his best week, and he was very entertaining; the judges liked him. However, nobody is safe now, anyone can go out she said. Rachael feels that Bobby and Dianne bring everything to their dancing. The presenter asked who’s likely to be out next week – a difficult call, Rachael says. The presenter asked how quickly you can get into dance; she recommended to give it at least three classes, as sometimes people are low on confidence and need time to adjust. After about eight weeks the difference is phenomenal, she says. Her advice is: Don’t worry too much about the steps, just listen to the music and enjoy yourself. You’ll keep fit and have fun!

Listen to the radio chat here.

Find out more about Synergy Dance Mainstream and Synergy Dance SEND.

Kathryn OToole
In Latest News

James Cannon and Rachael Hurton discussed Adam leaving

James Cannon and Rachael Hurton discussed Adam leaving the series after a nail-biting and close dance off with Angela Rippon and Kai – the Rumba is ‘very technical and known to take people out’.

On 6 November, Rachael Hurton, Director of Synergy Dance Outreach, talked all things Strictly with Radio Surrey about the latest dances and events on Strictly Come Dancing.

James Cannon and Rachael Hurton discussed Adam leaving the series after a nail-biting and close dance off with Angela Rippon and Kai – the Rumba is ‘very technical and known to take people out’. Rachael commented that Angela is a legend who brings style and elegance to her dancing. The dance off is always going to be a nerve wracking experience, but Angela approached it as a Pro. Angela is also proving it is never too late to start dancing.

Rachael believes that Angela who partners with Carlos, has really improved and she could be a contender for the final. Meanwhile news presenter Krishnan is winning everybody’s hearts. He has discovered himself through dance and is enjoying every moment. He has really improved, she believes, and will continue to work on his technique.

When the presenter asked about the “ones to watch”, Rachael recommended Annabel and Johannes, and Angela and Carlos. Meanwhile she feels Krishnan still has a lot to learn, being new to dancing. The strongest contenders are potentially Layton, Annabel, Angela and Ellie.

Rachael shared exciting news of Synergy’s latest awards for diversity and inclusion: Dance Activity Provider for all Ages. Since lockdown the company has been delivering both in person and online classes for everyone and the Strictly filming and visit in 2021 has led to enquiries for their services on a National basis!

Listen to the interview here.

To find out more about Synergy Dance go here. To find out more about Synergy Outreach go here.

Kathryn OToole
In Latest News

Best All-Ages Dance Activity Company 2023

Synergy are delighted to receive our 10th Award to date. Best All-Ages Dance Activity Company 2023 in the 5th annual SME News’ 2023 Business at the Elite Awards. We’ve been working hard to provide activities for all ages and abilities.

The SME Business Elite Awardees for 2023 are handpicked by SME News Magazine and are based purely on comprehensive analysis and research undertaken by the wider group. Each year they celebrate those enterprises who consistently provide the best services and products for their clients, allowing them to stand out within their representative fields. Furthermore, they award those SME’s that are succeeding in their endeavours, innovating, growing and improving.

In addition to the above award, Synergy’s other recent awards stand for Digital delivery, Innovation, Inclusion and Diversity and the company was filmed by Strictly Come Dancing in November 2021. Our main goal is to help you reach yours and to get everyone moving!

Finally, a message from the founder – Rachael Hurton:

Best All-Ages Dance Activity Company 2023 is a wonderful award for Synergy to win and is recognition to the Synergy team, instructors and Ambassadors, for going the extra mile over the last year. Especially since, we have continued to expand our services, both on site and On Demand, from seated and standing to high and low impact programmes, for all ages. Our inclusive services cater for juniors, teens, adults and seniors and are our customers are from multiple sectors including:

  1. The disability community,
  2. Those with Special Educational Needs,
  3. Healthy ageing and low-impact programs,
  4. Those with Long Term Health Conditions,
  5. Visually Impaired and Blind,
  6. Deaf Community and Hard of Hearing (with captions)
  7. NHS Referrals

Likewise, our impact is now expanding rapidly throughout the UK via schools, leisure chains, care homes, Education and schools, charities, Trusts and more. As a result, we are making a difference and providing exercise opportunities for all ages – from young Gwho was having a tough time of it post covid to our elderly residents enjoying Synergy ParaStars Dance at the The Clockhouse.

Their stories inspire us to work incredibly hard every day….

G’s Story:

“Since starting his dance classes I, and school have seen a huge change in G. G has only been attending for a couple of months, but has grown hugely in confidence and made huge personal developments in his understanding and language. He is so keen to copy his teacher, firstly watching her perform the dance move, then trying to copy, and has even started to develop some language, copying her as she tells him what the dance move is called, Amazing!”

Hannah – parent

ParaStars Dance at The Clockhouse:

“The sessions have had an amazing impact, our customers and staff really look forward to them. The sessions create a lot of fun, and laughter and generally improve the sense of well-being within the group. They are truly an amazing opportunity to enable people to try something that is usually inaccesible to them”

Charlotte Lawrence – The Clockhouse (AGE UK)

Synergy Dance® provides innovative dance, yoga and fitness services for all. As a result of this, we are leading the way in inclusive fitness offering programs onsite, and on-demand via Synergy Active Online, with omnichannel fitness models for multiple sectors. Help us to reach more people like G by sharing this post or joining forces with us. Contact us today to help us get everyone moving or arrange a chat on admin@synergydance.co.uk

Find out more:

Synergy Active Online 

Synergy Demo

https://synergydance.co.uk

https://synergydanceoutreach.co.uk

Kathryn OToole
In Latest News

Rachael Hurton, Founder of Synergy Dance, talks all things Strictly

Rachael and James talk Strictly Come Dancing

Rachael Hurton, Founder of Synergy Dance, talks all things Strictly with BBC Radio Surrey on the morning show on Monday 2nd October. Rachael and the presenter discuss the dance off, dancing couples to watch and the benefits of dance for ages.

The programme is a couple of weeks in.

Rachael commented that Les Dennis was the first celebrity to be voted off. Was he the right person to go? Whilst great at entertainment and a lot of fun, he did need to work on footwork. The Samba is a tricky dance that typically accounts for people going out.

Nikita needs to work on technique but has musicality, while Jody and Jowita struggled.

Technique generally is very high this year, and Rachael saw a lot of improvement this week. She was impressed with Amanda and Giovanni – Amanda has musicality and performance and nailed the salsa.

Angela Rippon is dancing with Kai. Angela has commented that dance is fantastic for an ageing population. She believes it is the best exercise for mind and body – and this is borne out by older Synergy clients, who relish the company’s dance, yoga and movement classes which are designed for all ages.

Angela Scanlon and Carlos did the jive this week and really stepped up – Rachael thinks they are a couple to watch. Bobby and Diane are popular too with their energetic routines.

Whilst on air – We were asked about the company. Synergy is a very inclusive dance programme, available both on demand and on site in leisure centres, schools, care homes and more. Synergy Active Online is also a public resource for learning dance routines On Demand at home. The organisation has won nine awards including Digital Dance and Fitness Provider of the year.

Rachael says, ‘We love dance and want to get everybody moving!’ Strictly Come Dancing filmed a Synergy class in November 2021 and the Radio show host recalled this exciting event.

Rachael encourages everyone to dance whatever their age or circumstances! Dance has proven benefits backed by scientific research, enables production of mood-boosting endorphins and can help address emotional and psychological challenges. Put simply, it makes us feel good! It can help reduce stress, build confidence, and promote emotional regulation and resilience. It can be enjoyed in class but also, once techniques are learned, practised at home to provide lifelong benefits.

Listen to the interview here: https://youtu.be/CXG48uyWjgk

Want to find out more, keep dancing or arrange for a standing or seated dance and yoga classes in your venue?

Contact: admin@synergydance.co.uk

Want to learn and practice dance anytime anywhere? https://synergy-dance-online.teachable.com/ for On Demand exercise 🙂

Kathryn OToole
In Latest News

Surrey Youth Games 2023

Surrey Youth Games 2023 Banner SDO
The Specsavers Surrey Youth Games 2023 is the biggest multi-sport youth programme of its kind in the South East, offering FREE local training for 7-16-year-olds, leading to a final celebratory event for the whole family.
The Games are for beginners who may not get the chance to attend clubs, or are inactive and put off by the thought of competing against others. The focus is on joining in, having a go and having fun, in order to learn new skills and boost confidence.
Free training started after Easter across the county’s boroughs and districts (excluding Tandridge for 2023), with all teams coming together for a family-friendly event at the Surrey Sports Park in Guildford on Sat June 17.

The SSYG is a chance for children of all ages and abilities to try out lots of different sports from basketball to inclusive dance, swimming to judo. It is held at the fantastic facilities in Surrey Sports Park which had a wonderful atmosphere and buzz on the day.

We have spent 6 weeks working on a fun dance routine, choreographed especially for this day, meeting once a week to practice. There were about 12 groups taking part from all over Surrey, split into two sessions (we were in the afternoon). This worked really well as it meant there was plenty of time to explore other events happening. We signed in and had a quick practice and pep talk with the group before taking turns to show our dances to the other groups, parents, siblings and event staff. It was a wonderful atmosphere and everyone was very encouraging (we were also very grateful to be in an air-conditioned studio!). After the performances, all the children were presented with certificates.

I also had a lovely surprise on the day – I saw one of the girls who I taught for this event last year! She enjoyed it so much that she returned this year to try some different events. It just shows what an impact a day like this can have on children and their families – Abigail Young

Kathryn OToole
In Latest News

2023 is getting off to a cracking start

2023 is getting off to a cracking start, as the Synergy team celebrate 3 new awards.

The UK Enterprise Awards, spotlight the most hard-working companies in the United Kingdom, who go above and beyond to provide customers and clients with outstanding products and services. Synergy Dance has received in the UK Enterprise Awards 2023:

Digital Dance & Fitness Provider of the Year 2023

SME Diversity & Inclusion Award 2023

We are also celebrating – Specialist Dance School of the Year 2023 for the 3rd year running, which takes us up to 9 Awards in total.

We stand for inclusion, diversity and belonging and this is reflected in our digital and onsite services. We listen to our clients and make it happen. We have a dedicated team of professionals who always go the extra mile and will continue to expand our delivery to reach as many groups as possible who can benefit from regular activity and the joy of keeping fit, their way! We pay tribute to our loyal business partners who are sharing our services with their members, and the fantastic team who are making it happen every day.

Want to know more about our services or become a sponsor or partner? Email: admin@synergydance.co.uk

#inclusion #diversity #belonging #Awards #Digital #dance #fitness #winner #Ondemand #exercise