Move Momentum is a Winchester-based charity that aims to make dance accessible to everyone. They provide inclusive and affordable dance classes for people who otherwise might not have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of dance – the physical benefits of being active, and the benefits for mental health wellbeing. As such, a big part of their classes is about enabling people to come together, to meet and make friends, socialise and be part of a community.
The GEMS classes for over 65s are a friendly and relaxed dance and movement to music class which includes a mixture of seated and standing movements. The street dance Academies classes are for 10-16 year-olds and Liberate Dance delivers classes for wheelchair users.
No dance experience is necessary for any of their classes and the focus in all of them is on everyone going at their own pace – and above all, in having fun!
Their mission is also to help build confidence and encourage our dancers to take part in shows and performances. They produce an annual summer show, and groups of dancers showcase their skills at various fairs and events across the year – from providing the entertainment at summer fetes, to entertaining the crowds at the Winchester Hat Fair and at Bournemouth’s Dancing Terraces festival.
Move Momentum also delivers workshops to various groups, including youth groups, schools for special needs, organisations set up to support the elderly, and care homes, with dance teachers specialists in leading sessions for individuals with dementia and Parkinson’s in particular.
Move Momentum CEO and dance teacher, Amanda Watkinson, says: “We love providing the classes and workshops and these opportunities for dance in Winchester. We understand the benefits of dance, and it’s wonderful to see the enjoyment on people’s faces! Socialising, creating communities and bringing people together are also an essential part of what we do – and we’re currently looking forward to our Christmas Social, when our students will be performing special Christmas dances for friends and family.
We’re indebted to our wonderful Board of Trustees, who provide so much amazing support and expertise, and to our fabulous funders and individual donors and who enable us to provide classes and workshops at such heavily subsidised costs. And we’re continually looking to strengthen our programme of classes, and create new and exciting offerings.”
Follow this link to find out more about Move Momentum
