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New dance school helps children put best feet forward
Matt Eley
YOUNGSTERS with special needs are preparing to put their tutus on for a groundbreaking show in Swiss Cottage.
The I Can Dance school was set up last year and the members are gearing up for their first ever public performance.
Juliet Diener, who trained as a ballet dancer before becoming a teacher for children with special needs, wanted to give the youngsters a platform where they can express themselves and have fun.
The 31-year-old said: "I realised so many little girls get to go dancing but the teachers do not necessarily have the skills to deal with children with special needs in a mainstream class.
"Also in some cases they were not welcome or comfortable in classes because they were seen as different.
"If you have cerebral palsy or autism or Down's syndrome you don't get the same opportunity.
"So I started a school myself, we run it without making any money, we just cover costs and we now have 15 members.
"This gives them a fun environment to come to and we are not just dance teachers, we are skilled professionals so we can work closely with them.
"It's wonderful fun and the great thing is it is incredibly social and they get to use their bodies."
Ms Diener, who lives in Kilburn, grew up in South Africa where she trained as a ballet dancer.
She moved to the UK eight years ago and studied to become a teacher and a specialist in movement therapy.
After doing some freelance work at the Swiss Cottage school on Avenue Road, she decided it was the perfect venue for her classes.
"I Can Dance is my dream," she said. "To be able to get the kids doing a show for the first time and to do that in front of the community is just fantastic."
The show will be performed by the girls and boys in the class, who are aged between four and 17, at the school next month.
Ms Diener added: "I am so excited about it because I see it as such a great opportunity. But I am also a little nervous because I want the children to do so well and for the community to come and see and enjoy it."
For more information about the show on July 7, classes or how to volunteer, call Ms Diener on 07931 533 955 or email Juliet@icandance.co.uk
matt.eley@hamhigh.co.uk
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