REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1159627
ACS DANCE CENTRE
COMMUNITY ⏐ OPPORTUNITY ⏐ INCLUSION
HELPING EVERYONE
FIND THEIR PLACE.
COMMUNITY & OUTREACH
⎯⎯⎯
At ACS, we believe dance has the power to bring people together, build confidence and create opportunities.
As a registered charity, we use dance to increase access, participation and wellbeing in the wider community, working with schools, community organisations, care settings and individuals to make movement more inclusive and accessible.
Through outreach programmes, scholarships and inclusive projects, we create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the benefits of dance.
OUT IN THE COMMUNITY
⎯⎯⎯
TAKING DANCE
BEYOND OUR STUDIOS.
We work with schools, community groups and care settings to create accessible dance experiences across Romford and the wider area.
From introducing children to ballet to delivering cultural workshops and adapted movement sessions, our projects are shaped around the people taking part.
01 -FEATURED PROGRAMME
CHANCE TO DANCE
INTRODUCING CHILDREN TO BALLET
Through work connected with the Royal Ballet and Opera’s Chance to Dance programme, ACS has helped introduce children to ballet and supported opportunities for selected young dancers to continue their training.
This work helps children discover dance, develop their confidence and explore opportunities beyond their first experience.
02 -SCHOOL PROJECT
WARREN PRIMARY SCHOOL
BALLET · CREATIVE DANCE · PERFORMANCE
ACS has delivered a school dance club introducing pupils to ballet and creative dance.
Through movement, music and performance, children have opportunities to explore their creativity and share what they’ve learned, including through a showcase at Thurrock Trailblazers.
03 -SCHOOL PROJECT
FRANCES BARDSLEY ACADEMY
CULTURE · MOVEMENT · PARTICIPATION
For six years, ACS has contributed dance workshops to the academy’s multicultural days.
These sessions introduce students to different dance styles and provide opportunities to explore culture, movement and creative expression together.
04 -COMMUNITY PROJECT
COMMUNITY & CARE SETTINGS
ACCESSIBLE MOVEMENT · CONNECTION
Our outreach extends beyond schools. ACS has also delivered seated and adapted dance activities in care settings, including Barleycroft Care Home.
Sessions can be tailored to different abilities, creating opportunities for people to enjoy music, movement and social interaction.
⎯⎯ WORKSHOPS CAN BE ADAPTED TO AGE, SETTING AND PURPOSE — FROM BALLET AND CREATIVE DANCE TO STREET, SALSA, MUSICAL THEATRE AND MORE. ⎯⎯
OPENING DOORS
FOR ALL.
SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITY
⎯⎯⎯
Commitment and potential deserve the opportunity to grow.
Through scholarships, bursaries and subsidised training, ACS helps students continue their dance education and access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
UP TO 100%
OF ANNUAL CLASS FEES
FREE & SUBSIDISED
ADDITIONAL TRAINING
01 -THE ACS SCHOLARSHIP
Our annual ACS Scholarship recognises students already attending the school who demonstrate exceptional commitment, dedication, potential and passion for dance and the performing arts.
Recipients may aspire to professional training or teaching, but a career in dance is not a requirement. We also recognise students whose hard work, regular attendance and contribution to the ACS community make them deserving of additional support.
The scholarship can cover up to 100% of annual class fees for one student or be shared between several students through partial bursaries.
02 -ADDITIONAL TRAINING SUPPORT
Our support extends beyond the annual scholarship.
ACS provides subsidised or free additional Ballet training for students progressing through Grades 3, 4, 5, 6 and Intermediate, helping them access more training without the full cost of an additional weekly class.
We also provide additional tuition where appropriate to help students develop their skills and continue progressing.
03 -WORKSHOPS & MASTERCLASSES
ACS also creates opportunities for dancers beyond our regular classes.
Selected workshops and masterclasses are opened to dancers from outside ACS, with places offered through auditions or selection based on the requirements of each opportunity.
These experiences give participants access to additional coaching, new approaches to training and the opportunity to develop alongside other dancers.
⎯⎯ For some students, support opens a pathway towards a career in dance. For others, it means confidence, consistency and the opportunity to keep doing something they love. ⎯⎯
MOVEMENT FOR
EVERY STAGE OF LIFE.
CLIFF JOLLY • DANCE FOR LIFE
⎯⎯⎯
Cliff was an ACS Trustee and father of principal Diana. He loved music, movement and dance. Whether dancing with Pat (his wife) or simply enjoying the music around him, dance was something that brought him joy and helped him feel like himself.
During his health challenges, gentle movement remained important. Seated dance and accessible forms of movement can help people stay active, maintain strength, support wellbeing and keep a sense of connection and enjoyment — and this was something that became especially meaningful through Cliff’s journey.
The Dance For Life programme was made in his memory. It reflects the belief that dance is not only about performance, but also about wellbeing, dignity, connection and joy. Through welcoming seated and semi-seated classes, we hope to help others experience the same benefits: staying engaged, staying stronger for longer, and finding enjoyment in movement whatever their age, background or mobility.
16 FREE
WEEKLY PLACES.
PLANNED LAUNCH · JANUARY 2027
ACS plans to offer 16 fully funded places in a weekly Dance For Life class, helping more people access inclusive dance and movement.
WHO IS DANCE FOR LIFE FOR?
⎯⎯⎯
SEATED OR SEMI-SEATED • ADAPTABLE MOVEMENT • NO DANCE EXPERIENCE NEEDED
Dance For Life is an inclusive seated and semi-seated dance programme for older adults and people who may benefit from a gentler, more adaptable way to move, including those returning to activity after illness or living with mobility challenges.
Through music, movement and shared experiences, the programme creates opportunities to stay active, connect with others and enjoy dancing in a welcoming environment.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to move, connect and enjoy dance.
Let us know if you’d like to find out more about the Cliff Jolly Dance For Life Programme.
HELP US OPEN
MORE DOORS.
SUPPORT ACS
⎯⎯⎯
As a registered charity, ACS is committed to creating opportunities for more people to experience dance.
Donations, fundraising and partnerships help us provide scholarships, deliver community outreach and develop inclusive programmes for people of different ages and abilities.
01 -OPPORTUNITY
Help a dancer keep dancing.
Support scholarships, bursaries and subsidised training that help students continue their dance education.
02 -COMMUNITY
Help us take dance further.
Support workshops and outreach projects that bring dance into schools and community settings.
03 -INCLUSION
Help make movement more accessible.
Support inclusive initiatives such as Dance For Life, creating opportunities for people who may find traditional dance classes difficult to access.
EVERY CONTRIBUTION HELPS US CREATE MORE OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH DANCE.
Interested in supporting ACS as a funder, sponsor or community partner?
⎯⎯ Thank you for helping us make dance accessible to more people. ⎯⎯