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

RE:Generation was generously supported in 2021/22 by the Brentwood Borough Council Mental Health Grant and Active Essex Our RE:Generation classes welcome anyone who identifies as being in the older age range. By combining dance and movement in a sociable, enjoyable and welcoming environment, these sessions can help you remain mobile and feel the very positive effects for both body and mind that dance can provide. We combine seated and standing activities, and use props to help extend your range of movement so that everything we do can be adapted for you and your physical ability and confidence. If you live with a particular health condition, you can still take part. Together, we will make and learn dances to nurture your creativity, brain function and memory. And at the end of the session, we top it off with tea, biscuits and a chance to chat with neighbours and make friends to ensure you feel part of your community. Carers and loved ones are always welcome to attend. All RE:Generation classes last for 45 - 60 minutes of dancing finishing in a social with refreshments.

Dance Network Association's Intergenerational Project with Hazelmere Primary School Colchester and RE:Generation (our dance and movement classes for older adults) based at Colchester Borough Homes Residential Housing Scheme Enoch House.  The project took place over 8 weeks where movement material was shared digitally between all participants. On the final week, the participants came together in the same space to share what they had created and experience a fun movement session together. Thank you to Community 360 for your support in bringing this project to life.  Dance Development Officer and Videographer: Karen Pratt Editor: Steph Townsend