Dance Network Association proudly hosts our Dancing for Joy Conference 2025.

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A special 10-year anniversary conference, showcasing the power of our work and dance in care and community settings.

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Join us for the Dancing for Joy Conference 2025 — a vibrant day of inspiration, connection, and practical learning. This is a chance to enrich your ability to bring creative dance into your own setting, while also taking time to reflect, recharge, and care for yourself. You’ll gain fresh ideas, new skills, and renewed confidence to lead meaningful dance and well-being sessions for older adults, including those living with dementia and Parkinson’s.  

 

Date: Wednesday, 5 November 2025

Venue: Colchester Rugby Club, Raven Park, Cuckoo Farm Way, Colchester CO4 5YX

Time: Arrival and registration from 09:15. Programme starts at 10:00, finishes at 16:00

 

Who Should Attend?

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✔ Care Homes

✔ Day Centre Activity Coordinators

✔ GP Care Providers & Practice Managers

✔ Students in OT, Physiotherapy, Speech & Language

✔ Dance Artists interested in working with older adults

 

Why Attend?

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✔ Gain insight into Dance Network Association (DNA) and its impactful work in the community for those with lived conditions

✔ Learn how to create and deliver inclusive dance sessions for older adults

✔ Take away a practical toolkit of ideas, including a the DNA resource book including prop and music lists

✔ Hear from DNA’s champions—individuals already benefiting from our dance programmes

✔ Connect with experts and like-minded professionals in a supportive environment

✔ Nugget moments that give you permission to pause. Take a moment to look inward with kindness and care for yourself so that you can care for others.  

 

Pricing & Booking

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Early Bird (Discounted Rate if you book before 16th June 2025)

🎟️ Organisation / Care Home Professionals: £95

🎟️ Students/ Graduates / Dance Artist: £68

 

General Admission

🎟️ Organisation / Care Home Professionals: £150

🎟️ Students/ Graduates / Dance Artist: £100

 

All tickets include entry to the experience day, lunch and resources.

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Schedule of the Day (subject to change)

09:15 - Arrival and Registration  

10:00 – Welcome and introduction to DNA’s work and impact with Gemma Wright CEO  

10:20 – How can you best fill YOUR cup  

10:40 – Practical Workshop 1  

Option A: Dancing with Dementia  
Option B: Creating Your Own Dance Sessions 

11:40 - Refreshment Break  

12:00 – Practical Workshop 2  

Option A: Creative Dance for Older Adults  
Option B: Resources – How to Use Them  

13:00 – Lunch and networking  

13:40 – Meet the DNA Advocates: Impact in Action  

14:10 – Positivi-Tea 

14:20 – Practical Workshop 3: Open Dance Session with DNA Dancers  

15:20 – Comfort break (grab a cuppa and come sit)  

15:40 – 5-minute breath work – closing  

15:45 – Closing, feedback and next steps  ​

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Workshop Choices

Practical Workshop 1: 

Option A: Learn dance and movement strategies to engage individuals living with dementia, including exploring non-verbal communication through dance 

Option B: Creating Your Own Creative Dance and Movement Sessions  

​Hands-on workshop where attendees plan and trial their own movement session. Feedback and refinement with guidance from experts. 

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Practical Workshop 2: 

Option A: Creative Dance for Older Adults  
Focus on storytelling, reminiscence, meditation, music, and props to create engaging movement and creative dance experiences 

Option B: Resources: How to Use  

Learn how to use props (scarves, ribbons etc) to enhance creative dance and movement. Explore music choices that encourage participation and joy.  

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Book Your Place Now! 

Simply complete the form below

If you need support to complete the form or have any questions, please email our 'Dancing for Joy' Programme Manager, Karen, via karen@dancenetworkassociation.org.uk