Comedian Chris McCausland's Strictly Come Dancing win has sparked a new era in inclusive dance, with visually impaired students at the Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) in Hereford taking their first steps into ballroom dancing. The pioneering programme, created by Step Change Studios' Rashmi Becker, is the UK's first dedicated blind ballroom dance classes, and its popularity has soared following McCausland's historic victory.
Students have thrown themselves into mastering dances like the quickstep and jive, with some already achieving success in their initial examinations. Becker notes that teaching blind ballroom requires only practical adjustments in communication, using physical touch, music, and musical cues inherent in close-hold ballroom dancing. This approach allows for greater accessibility to the programme.
The dance lessons are delivered by Translucent Dance Studio, with teachers guiding students through each step. For participants like Amy Griffin and Freeman Fox, the experience is not just about learning new skills but also about enjoying Strictly Come Dancing's magic in a unique way. Griffin explained how participating has allowed her to 'visualise' the dances she previously only listened to, while Fox highlighted the rarity of such opportunities.
Currently offered as an extracurricular activity thanks to a special grant, the RNC hopes to make these lessons a permanent fixture. Lucy Proctor from the college stated that securing enough volunteers to partner with students would be key to achieving this goal. She underlined the significant benefits of the programme, citing its positive impact on students' wellbeing, mental health, and spatial awareness.
The success at McCausland's former college illustrates a broader potential for making activities like ballroom dancing more inclusive. By adapting teaching methods and creating an encouraging environment, organisations can open doors to new experiences for visually impaired individuals, promoting physical activity and social engagement within the community. The students' enthusiasm and the college's ambition highlight a growing recognition of the value of such initiatives.
Source: Royal National College for the Blind