NI woman first to qualify in inclusive dance: ‘The classes boost everyone mentally’

Now almost four decades later, the Ballyclare dance teacher is determined that everyone – regardless of physical or mental ability – can experience the thrill of moving to music.

Victoria (41) from Ballyclare runs her own school First Dance NI which is most famous for helping nervous newly-weds prepare for their first dance.

She has put hundreds of grateful couples through their paces so that they could wow their guests on their wedding day.

Her ballroom and Latin dance skills have also been in high demand over the years as a choreographer for locally produced charity versions of the BBC hit series Strictly Come Dancing.

But in recent years Victoria has had a new focus. She is passionate about breaking down barriers to allow everyone to feel the joy of dance.

In 2020 she became the first person here to qualify in inclusive dance with Para Dance UK.

Para Dance UK aims to develop and promote dance as a leisure activity across the country for those who would otherwise be excluded.

Since qualifying as an instructor Victoria has teamed up with the brain injury charity Headway to give members weekly dance lessons.

She has also taken her new training into nursing and care homes across Northern Ireland using the power of music to take elderly people, including dementia patients back to the carefree days of their youth.

“I have always wanted to bring dance classes to people who have physical impairments, it is just something I have felt passionate about for a long time so in 2020 I decided to train with Para Dance and become an instructor," she explains.

“Everyone can dance, even if it is just a movement of the arms or a tap of the shoulder, we can all take part.

“Working with Headway has been fantastic. The class is made up of people who have a head injury through trauma, often a stroke or car accident.

“Just to see how the dance class boosts everyone mentally is amazing. You can see how the power of music lifts their mood and then for them to be able to do some form of dance is marvellous.

“It is the same in the nursing homes where I am doing tutorials with some residents who have dementia and Alzheimer’s. My late mummy had Alzheimer’s so it means a lot to me to be able to do this.

“When they hear the music, instantly they are transported back to the good old dance hall days, it takes them back to happiness.

“It does your heart good to see it and it has been a revelation to me.

“Most people say to me ‘sure I can’t dance’. My answer always is ‘yes, you can’ and then for them to instantly see that they are able to it at the same time as other people is pure joy, they just feel so fulfilled, it’s fabulous.”

Victoria’s social media has lit up since she started her inclusive dance lessons with people right across Northern Ireland keen to have a go.

However dance lessons are not readily available to all and this is something she would like to see changed.

She says: “So many people who have physical and mental impairments would love to do it and I would love to try and get dance classes held in venues that people can access in an easier way.

“I didn’t realise there was so much interest until I put it on social media. I have knocked so many doors and contacted local councils trying to get interest but so far I haven’t got anywhere with it.

“But I am determined to try and make it come to fruition in some shape or form.”

Determination when it comes to her passion for dancing is something Victoria has shown from a young age.

At school it was the only career she would consider, despite being advised that she could not make a living from it.

She recalls: “I went to Ballyclare High School and the teachers used to tell my parents that I was good craic but all that was in my head was dancing.

“During career talks when I said I wanted to be a dancer I was told it wasn’t a career. My mum and dad were behind me because they knew it was all I wanted to do.”

Victoria competed as a child at competitions across the UK picking up multiple titles includes Ireland and Ulster champion.

She says: “Those were the happiest days ever and I think it all came from my dad who was a mechanic in the navy and anytime he got shore leave he was away dancing.”

She graduated from the Northern Ireland Performing Arts School with a distinction and then set up her own dance school in her 20s.

Many of her clients are people who want to learn so that they can enjoy it as a hobby and she has also been kept busy by demand from couples who want to be able to dance at their wedding.

“I get so much satisfaction from the wedding lessons, “she admits.

“Most couples believe they have two left feet and feel a bit overwhelmed by having to dance while everyone they know is watching them.

“Most just want to be able to get up at their wedding and dance with their partner in a way that makes them feel comfortable and is natural to them.

“Once they start to dance you can see their confidence rise when they realise they can do it and they love it. This is why my job is perfect! I’ve tutored hundreds of couples over the years.”

Married to Michael, who is head of estates for NI Ambulance Service, the couple have two girls Eva (14) and Scarlett (12).

Neither of her two girls has followed in their mother’s footsteps: “I’m the least pushy mum ever and the girls are more into horse riding and musical theatre which is great,” Victoria admits.

“I think when you get the bug and step into this world you just want to keep going which is what happened to me.

“It is all I ever wanted to do but I never felt that because I do it, my girls should do it too. I feel so lucky to have been able to dance and make other people happy. I am living my dream.”

Victoria’s dance classes are held in Ballyclare Rugby Club but she is happy to travel to take her inclusive tuition into care homes across Northern Ireland.

She adds: “I’ve been lucky to be able to do something I love every day.

“I know the power of dance and music and how good it can make people feel and I hope to do more to help encourage more inclusive dance classes to open across Northern Ireland to help everyone share the joy.”

Diane Wilson, activities coordinator for Headway Eastern region who runs four groups in mid-and East Antrim who brings Victoria to dance with the members who are all recovering from acquired brain injuries said: "Victoria is absolutely fantastic with the groups, everyone adores her. One lady Julie, who was involved in a road traffic accident in 1978 at the age of seven, is partially paralysed, deaf in one ear and has swallowing issues. Julie loves all the activities and always gets involved to the best of her ability.

"However, during Victoria's class she really blossoms. Two weeks ago she stood up out of her chair and danced without crutches or support. It was the most heartwarming thing I've ever seen!

"That was due to Victoria and credit to her for supporting all the groups, this incident, above all others, showed the absolute importance and skill involved in Victoria's work. People think it is merely a ‘wee exercise class' but it is so much more. Everyone's mental health and wellbeing goes through the roof when Victoria's smile and razzle dazzle enters the room. It's a priceless contribution, a tonic for the soul and absolutely medicinal."