Isla, aged 10, is a young dancer with Autism who has learnt to dance with Impetus Dance Community Interest Company, based in South Wales. This month Isla will be competing for the 2nd time this year in an online dance event. The competition is being ran by The National Charity and Governing Body for Para and Inclusive Dance in the UK (Para Dance UK).

Unlike non disabled dancers,  those who have disabilities have limited access to competitive opportunities. This year Isla is one of a few children who has a hidden disability competing in the online version of the UK Open Para Dance Championships. This is an annual event and this year for the first time, the event will also have an inclusive standing dancers section for those with disabilities unlike in previous years. Isla also hopes to compete at the UK Inclusive Dance Festival (The Manchester Grand Prix) this month, competing against others from around the world. 

Impetus Dance are keen to support their members by providing them opportunities and demonstrating to others the importance of inclusion in Dance practice in the UK. Louise Bowman, Director of Impetus Dance, states "there are now so many more organisations moving towards inclusive dance practice its great to see, however I'd really like to see more dance studios generally teaching inclusively within an integrated approach" 

If you want to know more about what Impetus Dance do please contact Louise at: impetusdance@outlook.com or if your organisation wants to enable more opportunities for disabled dancers please contact Para Dance UK to find out about inclusive dance training in the UK #EveryoneCanDance