Dancing without barriers

Dancing is fun, active, vibrant and fulfilling.
To maintain a diverse and vibrant dancing environment, everybody has a role to play. Whether you are a teacher, class helper, event organiser, crew member, professional dancer, or attendee, regardless of your level of experience.


This includes having an open mind and avoiding judgement towards dancers with neurodiversity, invisible disabilities, and those who experience stress and anxiety.

Not to divide

Despite the positivity of dancing, we must remember we must not use perceptions or differing abilities to marginalise, exclude and reject in any dancing environment.

As dancing is a universal language, we must not limit dancing environments to the quick learners and the highly confident.

Think before you judge

Perception may influence how people are judged, but it does not help when a person’s difficulties are misunderstood. Remember, a person’s challenges are not a choice, and they are not a disciplinary matter for any organisation, nor should they be associated with negative labels.

It is therefore very important to see a person beyond your perception of them and beyond their difficulties.

During learning

At dance classes and workshops, have an open mind, be patient, and offer help if a dancer is struggling to learn. This applies not only to teachers, but to attendees as well.

At Parties

This also applies at parties, events and conventions. Although the atmosphere may differ in these settings, it is not an excuse to disrespect, shame or exclude dancers with specific difficulties. It is essential to be welcoming and accommodating. Without a positive and inclusive environment, the spirit of an event or convention is affected.

To help create a positive party experience, reach out, meet people, socialise, and dance with those you are not familiar with. The dancing environment at parties should not be a competition of confidence and ego. Instead, it should be a space of equal positivity for everyone.

Be there when challenging situation occurs

If issues arise, keep an open mind at all times and do not use a person’s difficulties to dismiss their voice or undervalue their presence.



Try the inclusive mindset

You have nothing to lose by setting aside your usual judgements and practising patience. You may learn something new and have a positive experience yourself and in return, you may receive genuine appreciation.


It is up to everyone to ensure that positive dancing practices apply to all.

See the best out of each other

We must not use vanity and perception to exclude and divide.

See the positive of each other and we might have a more vibrant and colourful dancing environment for stock this means more people are highly like to have a positive experience for everyone

Explore on how can improve inclusive dancing

Some information projects which can help make some steps to improve inclusivity.

Inclusive to dance

The information project explores different factors to encourage inclusivity for dancers with neurodiversity, Invisible disabilities and those who experience anxiety.i

Beyond understanding 

The suggestion publications which provide many possibilities for dancers with selected neurodiverse individuals. Availaible to view and download.

Blog: Open mind, patience and encouragement 

An article summary of positive encouragement

Read the article on WordPress

Blog: Ableism in dancing

An article on the project director's personal perspective on the challenges of passionate dancing environments

Read the article on Keith Mckenzie's website

Inclusivity pledge and encouragement 

As part of the project "Inclusive to Dance" which features a family fo downloadable pledges to improve dancing inclusiveness

Events information

Autism Dance Day 

Anna Kennedy Online presents a special annual online and social media event which has existed for the past 14 years since 2011 by the Award-winning awareness campaigner Anna Kennedy OBE. The day demonstrates how dancing is inspiring and can be beneficial for autistic people. This event also showcases talents from the autistic spectrum of all ages and all types of backgrounds.

International Dance Day 

The worldwide annual event has been developed and promoted by the France and China-based organisation "The Dance Committee of ITI (International Theatre Institute)" since 1982.

The 29th of April marks the birthday of iconic modern ballet dancer Jean-Georges Noverne (1727-1810). To celebrate dancing regardless of political culture ethnic and other backgrounds. Reminding everyone that dancing is a universal communication regardless of language and abilities.

The information for this page will change annually with the information transferred to the insight blog after 12 months.