Dance4All are set to take the stage at Scotland's first ever inclusive dance competition.
Kirstie Samson is a dance teacher from the East End of Glasgow, who has changed the lives of those with additional needs in the community.
The 34-year-old set up Dance4All during lockdown when she felt there was "nothing to do" for those with disabilities and learning difficulties. While Kirstie ran online classes during the pandemic for her existing students, she was struck with the idea to create free zoom classes for those with additional needs.
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Speaking to Glasgow Live Kirstie said: "People were joining from all over, I think at one point there was about 100 people on the zoom classes who were logging on every Saturday.
"When everything started to open back up, I started doing sessions in Glasgow Green at the same date and time."
Dance4All creates a fun, creative and safe environment for those with additional needs in the community. The age group ranges from 16 years-old to people in their 70's, with members who have cerebral palsy, down syndrome, learning difficulties and wheelchair users.
Dance4All now enjoy their Saturday lessons in a studio at the Gorbals Leisure Centre, after partnering with the Advisory Group, they are able to fund their lessons in a wider and safer space.
Kirstie shared that Dance4All has made her a better teacher: "Some of my students have vision impairments, so they really rely on my description of movements. They've definitely made me a better teacher."
The free dance classes has changed the lives of it's members, with their confidence growing and creating long lasting friendships.
Kirstie said that members with ADHD have seen a drastic change in their behaviours and sleep pattern. "They feel calm in the classes and get stuck in, their parents can't believe it.
"We are like a wee family, our members get so excited to see each other every Saturday."
This weekend Dance4All are taking to the stage at Scotland's first ever inclusive dance competition at the Hilton in Glasgow City Centre.
The team are opening the show, with nine participants battling it out to win the title of Strictly All Ability 2023, five of who are from Dance4All.
The competition will have an audience of over 350, with tickets rocketing over the past weeks. Excited competitors will be in full glam with hair and makeup and personalised costumes.
Kirstie says "we've gone all out, with professionals coming in to do their hair and makeup in the afternoon. They're just so excited."
We are excited to see who will be crowned Strictly All Ability 2023, good luck Dance4All!
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