Dance 21 is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation which provides a dance group, ‘Dance 21’, for children and young people with Down Syndrome and their siblings in the Essex area and Woodford, projecting a positive image of disability. We operate to a professional standard and encourage participation of family, friends and other interested parties in supporting and developing the dance group. Our committee is run by parents of young people with Down Syndrome on a volunteer basis.
We currently have 8 parents on our Board of Trustees. Mary Schultz, Peter Schultz, Bev Weeks, Kim Kemp, Rachel Palfreman, Christine Kite, Kathy Hart and Olivia Gordon
Mission Statement
In the Dance 21 dance group we offer a dynamic, fun, structured environment where everyone has the opportunity to improve their potential through dance and movement. We also develop a variety of skills and each dancer is valued as an individual and a respected team member.
Brief History
The Dance 21 dance group was set up in September 2000 by Mary Schultz, as organiser and Chairperson of Dance 21. Mary’s daughter, Ellen had attended a mainstream dance class run by Jean Hunter and she asked Jean if she would take on another dance class for young people with Down Syndrome and their siblings. Several years later, Jean is still with us plus five other teachers and several volunteers who help us at in class and at events.
There are two Chelmsford groups and two Woodford groups, ranging in age from 5 to 35 years old. All are thriving well but we are always open to new members.
We meet every Thursday during school term time; Chelmsford Groups 5 to 6pm at a local Sports and Leisure Complex; Woodford groups 5 to 6pm and 6pm to 7 pm at a local Church Hall.
Annual Report
Every year Dance 21 produces an Annual report about what they have done over the year. Please find the latest copies below.
For the 2023 report click here
For the 2024 report click here