Our free Saturday sessions have been running for over two years and are open to everyone in the community. The project has made a meaningful impact on participants' lives, with members reporting reduced pain, improved flexibility, and enhanced overall well-being. We aim to bring people together through dance, exploring different genres each week to keep things engaging and inclusive.
To add variety and cultural connection, we adopt weekly themes that celebrate different occasions and traditions. For example, we feature Irish music during St. Patrick's Day and Chinese music for Chinese New Year, creating opportunities for the community to learn about and appreciate diverse cultures through movement and music.
Free Saturday Dance Connection
Our Community Impact
Since our inception, Let Your Hair Down Project has been more than just a dance initiative—we've been catalysts for community transformation. Each project we undertake reflects our unwavering commitment to creating positive change through the universal language of movement and music.
Every Sat 11am to 12pm
No 8 Queen Street, upstairs next to Together Dentist, CO1 2PJ
During and after each dance session, we provide refreshments including fresh fruit, water, tea, and coffee to keep everyone energised and hydrated. Beyond our regular sessions, we organise special gatherings to celebrate birthdays, Christmas, and other occasions throughout the year.
These social elements create valuable opportunities for members to connect on a deeper level, and we've witnessed genuine friendships flourish as a result. The combination of shared movement, celebration, and conversation fosters a strong sense of belonging and inclusion within our community, making everyone feel welcome and valued.
Community Networking
We provide ongoing support to community members with their everyday needs and challenges. Our assistance includes helping people complete forms, writing and improving CVs, offering guidance on benefit applications, housing matters, and general legal inquiries.
When community members need specialised help beyond our direct capabilities, we connect them with appropriate local services and resources. This signposting ensures everyone can access the right support for their specific circumstances, whether that involves health services, employment opportunities, or other community programs.
Community Clinic
Our dementia program is funded by the North East Essex Health & Wellbeing Alliance through Community 360. The project specifically targets people living with dementia and their carers who face barriers in accessing appropriate activities and support.
Our specialised sessions combine music, dance, and social interaction to create enjoyable experiences that support memory function. Through these engaging activities, we provide a welcoming space where participants can connect with others while benefiting from therapeutic movement and musical stimulation in a supportive environment.
Music & Dance for Dementia Program
We launched this women-only project with the Bangladeshi Women's Association Essex over two years ago, and it has since expanded to welcome all women from the community. The sessions are designed specifically for women who face barriers to attending regular gyms or exercise clubs, whether due to cultural considerations, safety concerns, or other personal circumstances.
The project creates a safe, supportive environment where women can build confidence and express themselves freely through dance fitness. Many participants have shared that these sessions have helped them feel more comfortable and secure in community spaces, enabling them to engage in physical activity without the concerns they might experience in mixed or public exercise settings.
The Bangladeshi Women Project
Tue 12pm to 1pm - Women Only Sit Down Exercise
Wed 12pm to 1pm - Women Only Dance Firstsite, CO1 1JH
We have developed a special partnership with Barchester Care Home to deliver themed dance sessions for their residents. Our inaugural session was a "request line" format designed to help us connect with residents through their personal musical preferences and memories.
During our sessions, we discovered that many residents living with dementia could vividly recall and request their favourite songs from the 1950s and 1960s. These musical memories sparked immediate recognition and joy, demonstrating the powerful connection between music and long-term memory.
Each session successfully engages residents in dancing and celebration, creating an atmosphere of fun and connection. Participants experience a renewed sense of belonging and vitality, with the familiar music and movement helping to lift spirits and foster community within the care home setting.
Barchester Home Partnership
Over two years ago, we witnessed many immigrant families confined to hotel accommodation with limited activities or opportunities for engagement. The situation was particularly challenging for women and children, who faced long days with little hope or connection to their new community.
Community 360 provided funding for us to deliver dance sessions specifically designed for these women, offering them a meaningful and enjoyable activity. We began our sessions with popular Afghan music, which created an immediate emotional connection and helped participants feel seen and valued. The familiar melodies brought comfort and recognition of their cultural identity during a difficult transition period.
These dance sessions provided more than just entertainment – they became a source of empowerment and confidence-building for women taking their first steps in the UK. Through movement and music, participants found joy, connection, and a sense of agency during an otherwise uncertain time in their lives.
