Toby Lipatti-Mesme

7:00pm - 10:00pm

Email the studio

Kylie Minogue

Step Back In Time

Listen Live

Harrogate woman launches dance class for children with special needs

Thursday, 25 April 2024 16:20

Three-year-old Aurora Dodds.

A Harrogate woman is set to launch a new dance class for children with special educational needs.

The SEND Dance Academy is starting this Saturday (27th April), created by Harrogate mum Zara Dodds.

Zara decided to create the dance school after her youngest daughter, Aurora, was diagnosed with Smith-Magenis syndrome - a developmental disorder that affects behaviour, emotions and learning processes.

Zara, who is a former professional dancer herself, told Your Harrogate:

“What I noticed is that when I had Aurora, I would take her to dance classes for children and I felt a little bit out of place.

“I wanted to create a class that children and also parents feel really comfortable, safe and happy coming to.

“The SEND dance school is at a slower pace. We use props, it’s fun and it’s all about being yourself and having a fun time through dance.”

The SEND Dance Academy will be held weekly at The Avenue in Harrogate, aimed at SEND children aged 6-16.

There are limited places, so anyone interested is encouraged to contact thesendacademy@gmail.com to book their place.

Zara added:

“I want it to be accessible for everyone. I’ve had a few people ask if they can bring wheelchairs and the answer is absolutely!

"I want everyone to be included and feel like they can join in.”

Zara's three-year-old daughter Aurora is pre-verbal and can sometimes self-harm as a result of her condition.

She had been ill quite frequently and admitted to hospital in need of oxygen prior to her diagnosis.

Zara said:

“I’ve been really lucky that I’ve been put in touch with a support group that is mums of children with Smith-Magenis Syndrome.

“It’s been so hopeful for me because of the rarity. You can get advice, sometimes you can just have a bit of a moan about difficult it can be, but there's always good days as well."

Zara's husband Tim is also running the Great Knaresborough Bed Race in aid of the Smith-Magenis Foundation. Find the Crowdfunding page here.

To hear Zara's story in full, head over to the Your Harrogate Podcast as she joins Pete Egerton in the studio.

More from Local News

Fairground rides return to Valley Gardens for half term

A number of fairground rides are setting up at Harrogate’s Valley Gardens in time for half term.
Six teenage boys arrested after 'violent incident' in Harrogate

Six teenage boys have been arrested following a 'violent incident' in Harrogate as police urge parents to keep tabs on their children during the half-term break.
Your Skipton and Your Ilkley to launch on DAB next week

Your Skipton and Your Ilkley will launch on DAB digital radio for the first time next week.
Police appeal after hit-and-run on Knaresborough High Street

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a hit-and-run collision on the High Street at Knaresborough.
Harrogate Town announce signing of Chesterfield midfielder

Harrogate Town have announced their first signing of the transfer window with the arrival of Chesterfield midfielder Bailey Hobson on a permanent contract.
Free Fuel Friday: Another winner scoops free tank of fuel

Yet another Harrogate resident has won a full tank of fuel as part of our 'Free Fuel Friday' competition.
Smiley/sad face speed signs set to remain banned in North Yorkshire

Road signs which display a driver’s speed alongside a smiley or sad face could continue to be banned from North Yorkshire’s roads despite pleas from communities to allow their use.
Harrogate primary school takes climate education to national stage

A Harrogate primary school has taken its climate education work to the national stage after speaking at a major Westminster policy conference.
Historic village pub enjoys successful reopening under new ownership

A historic village pub near Boroughbridge has reopened following a major refurbishment and a change in ownership.
Masham primary school unveils newly refurbished library

Masham CE Primary School has officially opened of its newly refurbished library.
No motorists turned away from Harrogate waste centres due to rule change

No motorists have been turned away from North Yorkshire’s household waste centres following the introduction of a rule change, councillors have been told amid ongoing fears about fly-tipping.
RHS Harlow Carr to host Summer Garden Weekend

Gardeners and plant lovers are being invited to RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate for its Summer Garden Weekend next month.
First look inside Furlong and Furrow ahead of reopening

New photos have revealed the transformed interiors of Furlong and Furrow near Ripon ahead of its reopening tomorrow (Friday).
Harrogate man and colleagues tackle Three Peaks in memory of his mum

A Harrogate man is taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in memory of his mum after she sadly lost her battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis last year.
Harrogate care organisation raises £500 at Nidderdale Walk

Carefound Home Care in Harrogate has raised £515 for Harrogate and District Community Action (HADCA) after completing the Nidderdale Charity Walk & Run.
Mayor urged to "come to the table" to discuss road repair funding

North Yorkshire councillors have urged the region’s mayor to "come to the table" to discuss their authority's allocation of road repair funding.
Monthly IT support clinic for elderly people launched in Harrogate

A new monthly IT support clinic aimed at helping elderly and vulnerable people with technology issues is launching in Harrogate next month.
Harrogate College celebrates milestone as new campus takes shape

Harrogate College has marked a significant milestone in the development of its new £22m campus with a steel-signing ceremony.
Children are taking over the Leeds station tannoy this weekend – here's why

Visitors to Leeds train station will notice something a little different this weekend, as children from Martin House Children's Hospice take over the tannoy.
Vernon Kay joins lineup for Harrogate's Symphonic Ibiza event

Vernon Kay has been announced as a major new addition to the lineup for this summer's Symphonic Ibiza event at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.