Local community organisation DanceWest has launched pop-up “Dance in Park” sessions throughout September.
Available and accessible for people of all ages and fitness levels, the free dance sessions will take place in Ravenscourt Park throughout the rest of the month.
During lockdown the community dance organisation has been delivering 78 online classes a week to a wide range of different audiences. “We have always worked with lots of different people and involved different generations in our dance workshops,” explains Rosie Whitney-Fish, DanceWest’s chief executive and artistic director. “We want to make people feel like they are having fun rather than exercising.”
Image: Older dancers enjoy a Dance West session (picture taken before lockdown)
The organisation, which was founded in Hammersmith and Fulham, currently works across six London boroughs. While operations are based at the Lyric theatre, 80% of the initiative’s work happens in the local community. “Before lockdown we were running dance workshops in prisons, care homes, schools, hospitals and youth clubs,” says Whitney-Fish. “We run lots of different types of classes from jazz to hip-hop and family style options. The idea is simply to get people of all ages moving, and to help them feel uplifted in a fun, community environment.”
The free pop-up park sessions are available to anyone, and are supported by Hammersmith and Fulham Council. Social distancing rules are in place, and there will be no physical contact between participants. Head to the DanceWest website for dates and information on how to sign up.