In Leicester, a new way of thinking about dance is growing. It focuses on including everyone, working together, and celebrating different cultures. As the city grows, we are learning more about how to make dance spaces welcoming for all.
We recently teamed up with Nupur Arts, a South Asian dance organisation, to co-create a bespoke inclusion training. The goal? To help the dance organisation take practical steps toward making their spaces more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
The training brought together dance professionals from We Are Epic and Nupur Arts as well as dancers from ID Dance Co and Nupur Arts. Our inclusive dance practitioners, Lauren Russell and Charlotte Tomlinson, worked closely with the Nupur team to explore how the dance organisation could become more inclusive and accessible in their practices, from their teaching styles to their spaces.
The Power of Small Steps: Creating Lasting Change
One of the biggest takeaways from the training was understanding that meaningful change happens gradually. It doesn’t require sweeping, dramatic overhauls. Instead, small, intentional actions pave the way for long-term transformation.
This realisation was a game-changer for the Nupur Arts team.
While bold actions often get attention, it’s the steady, small steps that make real change. Little victories, like welcoming dancers of all abilities, making classes easier to join, or ensuring everyone feels safe and included, all add up over time.
These ‘baby steps’ are actionable and manageable and could include things like:
- Adapting the syllabus to include accessible elements.
- Offering extra support for dancers who need it.
- Being mindful of the language used throughout the organisation.
- Thinking about how a disabled person would experience the space.
- Making physical adjustments to the venue.
Over time, these small steps create a culture of inclusivity, where everyone feels they belong. Gradual progress doesn’t make the change less powerful, it makes it stronger and longer-lasting. By taking thoughtful and consistent steps forward, organisations can create dance spaces that celebrate a variety of voices, perspectives, and styles.
We Are Epic’s Unique Approach to Inclusive Dance Training
We aim to help dance communities take actionable steps toward inclusion. Through our training, we focus on guiding organisations to:
- Understand the importance of creating inclusive spaces.
- Identify actionable steps to make their environment more welcoming.
- Equip teachers and staff with the skills to support a diverse range of dancers.
- Foster a long-term commitment to inclusivity within the organisation.
- Effectively share inclusive dance practice and upskill tutors in this area.
When we collaborate with organisations like Nupur Arts, we create sessions designed for their unique situation. This includes considering their background, dance styles, and the different needs of their members. Instead of just providing training, we work together to create an environment where real change can happen.
Our goal isn’t just for organisations to understand inclusion, it’s for them to make it part of their daily routines. That’s why we design custom training that gives practical tools and strategies organisations can use long after the training is over.
Real-World Impact: Stories of Success
Making inclusion a priority and taking action is the only way to create real change in the dance world. It’s an important shift, and organisations that embrace these changes are often seen as leaders. They’re recognised for creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued.
Whether it’s a new dancer feeling confident enough to join a class or a teacher adapting their methods to make lessons more accessible, these stories prove that small steps can make a big difference.
The Future of Inclusive Dance Communities
We’re working toward a future where inclusive dance spaces are the norm, not the exception.
The impact of inclusive practices goes far beyond one group, organisation or event. It’s about creating a movement where every dancer, no matter their ability or background, has a place to belong.
Our goal is to see dance communities grow and thrive with a mix of different voices and perspectives. Inclusive spaces make dance welcoming for everyone, whether they’re a seasoned professional or someone trying it for the first time.
This kind of change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes dedication, patience, and steady progress. But with the right support and tools, any dance organisation can play a leading role in this important and inspiring movement in their area.