Meet the wonderful Rachel Newby, one of the deliverers for our Dancing for Joy Conference 2025! Rachel will be delivering our Dancing with Dementia workshop, and our Resources And How to Use Them workshop.

These videos have been created with support from the Essex Carer’s Community Fund to help carers, companions, and loved ones feel more connected, confident, and supported.  They offer gentle guidance for moving, dancing, and mindful practice at home—whether on your own or with someone you care for. You can access them anytime, in a way that suits your routine, to bring a moment of calm, connection, and wellbeing into your day. Artist: Jess Swallow

These videos have been created with support from the Essex Carer’s Community Fund to help carers, companions, and loved ones feel more connected, confident and supported.  They offer gentle guidance for moving, dancing, and mindful practice at home—whether on your own or with someone you care for. You can access them anytime, in a way that suits your routine, to bring a moment of calm, connection, and wellbeing into your day. Artist: Jess Swallow

These videos have been created with support from the Essex Carer’s Community Fund to help carers, companions, and loved ones feel more connected, confident and supported.  They offer gentle guidance for moving, dancing, and mindful practice at home—whether on your own or with someone you care for. You can access them anytime, in a way that suits your routine, to bring a moment of calm, connection, and wellbeing into your day. Artist: Jess Swallow

A recording of our online Take a Seat class with Maisy Ritchie

An online recording of our Take A Seat session with Karen Pratt

An online recording of our Take A Seat class led by Jessica Swallow

Summer HAF programme in Barking and Dagenham Funded by London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Filmed and edited by Blank Space

Live performance video for the Mass Dance 2024 programme, 'Dance Matters'. Main choreography by Glass House Dance Music by East Angles Brass Band Filmed and edited by Blank Space Funded by London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

Online performance video for the Mass Dance 2024 programme, 'Dance Matters'. Main choreography by Glass House Dance Early years choreography by Sam Blayney and Rachel Newby Music by East Angles Brass Band Filmed and edited by DNA Funded by London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

Front Commission made for the Mass Dance 2024 programme, 'Dance Matters'. Choreographed by Laura Ann Heywood Music created by Laura Ann Heywood Performed by students from Eastbrook Secondary School and Dagenham Park C of E School Filmed and edited by Blank Space Funded by London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

DANCING DECADES Since 2012 Dance Network Association (DNA) has created a themed choreographic performance piece each year under the umbrella programme ‘Mass Dance’. The ‘Mass Dance’ programme is our legacy of the Opening Ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games. We aim to offer the opportunity for all young people to access and take part in an annual performance event that is showcased at high-profile sporting or theatre venues. This year’s theme has been chosen to celebrate the most common dance styles featured during the life of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III. This project was supported by the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Public Health and the Equality and Diversity Community funds. This project took place between September 2022 – July 2023 in the Borough with and for all Barking and Dagenham schools and students. Choreographers: Sam Blayney and Rachel Newby Co-Creator: Nic Smith Early Years Choreographer: Rachel Newby  Early Years Co-creator: Lucy Brown Composer: Phil Toms Videographers: Blank Space Please note: many of our groups filmed themselves where they were unable to make the live performance sharing in order to produce this video  Dance Captains and Ambassadors: Dagenham Park Students  All editing and producing: Steph Townsend  With thanks to our hosting venues: Dagenham Park School (especially to Caroline Watkins for all her love and support), Studio1 UK, Mayresbrook Park and the Jim Peters Stadium With thanks to all at LBBD for their ongoing support and support of this project: Martin Russell, Michelle Daniels, Rachel Marie-Onder and Alison Carter dna administration team Programme Manager: Steph Townsend CEO and Founder: Gemma Wright

In April 2023, we launched our first DNA Holiday Programme which was funded by LBBD Holiday Activities and Food Programme. Videography and editing by Blank Space