Trip to Pineapple Dance Studios in London
17th October 2023 | Pineapple Dance Studios, London
Movement is medicine, and dance can be one of the most joyful and fun forms of movement. However, too often, dance can be inaccessible for people with Cerebral Palsy.
On Tuesday the 17th of October, a team of staff, volunteers and members travelled to the world famous Pineapple Dance Studio in London to attend an accessible dance class!
The event was organised by our wonderful member Leo, alongside Debbie Moore OBE, the founder of Pineapple Dance Studio and her team. The event was organised in collaboration with CP Up Movement, an organisation who is passionate about changing the way people think about Cerebral Palsy. They kindly allowed us to be part of this special day and welcomed us with open arms. Leo and his family also kindly fundraised to enable us to book a mini-bus to take 16 people to London for the occasion.
This incredible afternoon was inspired by Leo, an 18-year-old man who is passionate about dance, however found it difficult to find a place where he could feel comfortable and accepted. Thankfully, Leo found Pineapple Studios, where he was able to join Zoom dance classes during Covid and found that Pineapple were happy to adapt the dancing to accommodate his abilities. Like many others, Leo does not receive medical support, so these classes give him the opportunity to maintain his mobility and decrease his pain, while also doing something he loves.
We enjoyed an incredible afternoon with Leo and his team at Pineapple, the dances were adapted so that everyone could take part, no matter the complexity of their disability. We danced to soundtracks from Barbie and the Greatest Showman. Here is what our member Aaron who attended with his wife Rebecca had to say about the day:
“The class was organised by a remarkable and inspirational person who has Cerebral Palsy, and this was the very first time he’d taught multiple classes a day with the dance routines choreographed by himself and his team of talented inspiring individuals. It was incredible and very inclusive and adaptable. The event eliminated all judgement and made a limitation, the greatest gift of limitless power. Rebecca and myself were in our element. I would like to say a big thank you to the Pineapple Dance Studio, Leo and his team, for allowing us this fantastic opportunity. It was an honour to be a part of the dance routines at this legendary establishment!”
Thanks!
Karen Mathie
Cerebral Palsy Plus
07786726238
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We offer a range of activities in an environment equipped to cater to the varying needs Cerebral Palsy can create.