March, 2026
Dancing, Sharing, Growing!
It’s been a busy start to the year here at Anjali! As we enter the Spring Season, here’s a quick round up of all the activities we’ve been working on. From shared learning with partners to exciting new programmes and performances, this year so far has been all about connection, growth and creativity.
SENSE Arts x Anjali Collaboration
In January, Rebecca Randall and Lauren Russell from SENSE Arts joined Anjali’s Main Company dancers for a creative exchange. Together they explored a range of creative approaches to movement, including the Lisa Simpson Choreographic Method.
In February, we continued the collaboration with an Anjali visit to SENSE College in Loughborough, co-delivering dance experiences to their students alongside Lauren and Becca.
Anjali dancer, Daisy, said:
“We did an introduction where we said our name and showed a shape. I loved the session because it was sensory based. I loved that you can use your body to physically show what the task is.”
We’re excited to continue this work further, and to continue developing accessible pathways into movement.
Nick Solo Performance Preview and CPD
On Thursday 21 April, Nick McKerrow is presenting an exclusive first look preview of his new solo performance, The Whole of Me.
It’s an intimate, fun and honest portrait of lived experience. Raw, joyful and deeply human.
Nick has been working on this project for over two years, with support from Gary Clarke MBE, Rachel Liggitt and Anjali. We’re all really excited to see the solo performed in Lakeside Arts main theatre space.
The performance is FREE to attend, from 2 – 3pm. You can book your place via this link here.
There is also an optional professional development session afterwards from 3-5pm, which explores the process behind the work and what it truly takes to support a learning disabled artist to be the leader of their own independent creative work. You can book on to this here.
With thanks to funding from Arts Council England, and support from Lakeside Arts and FABRIC.
Anjali x Swindon Dance’s Salto! Programme
In February half term, our dancer Holly co-delivered a 3 day residency across Swindon Dance’s Salto! programme with fellow dance artist Lexy.
They worked with dancers from Salto! Youth, Salto! Senior and Salto! Steps, sharing Anjali’s new non-verbal choreographic approach, that we co-developed with German partners com.dance from our Cultural Bridge exchange.
It was a brilliant experience, and we are so grateful to Swindon Dance for hosting us!
“I got to explore new ideas with new friends.”
“We all loved learning how Anjali creates.”
“The symbols are a great way to think about moving, as well as a good starting point. For our group especially, having signs or symbols helps with memory, communicating a choice and using them to ‘pass it on’.”
Board Away Day
At the end of February, Anjali’s Director, Alex and members of the Board came together for a dedicated away day to plan the next stage of the company’s journey.
This inspiring group of female leaders, joined by a few furry friends, reviewed Anjali’s strategic plan and explored the organisation’s future direction.
If you are interested in joining our Board and helping to shape the future of disabled-led dance in the UK, we are currently recruiting (deadline Monday 30 March):
Birmingham Inclusive Dance Classes
In partnership with Access Sport UK, Children’s Quarter and Peter Harrison project, we’re excited to share Anjali is launching a new open community class in Birmingham.
These sessions are designed for young people aged 11 to 19 with learning disabilities and/or neurodivergence.
Mondays 3.30 – 4.30pm
Moseley Community Hub
Participants will:
• Learn dance technique
• Explore creative movement and choreography
• Develop performance skills
• Connect with peers and build new friendships
• Improve fitness, health and wellbeing
Our specialist facilitators provide tailored support so everyone can learn at their own pace and share their ideas in a welcoming environment. Together, we create a respectful and inclusive community where everyone belongs.
Come and dance, express yourself and have fun!
If you are interested in these classes, or our other Open Classes in Banbury or Oxford, please email Lewis at info@anjali.co.uk
Dates To Add To Your Diary
Anjali will be at the following events over the next few months. We hope to see you there!
Tuesday 31 March from 10-3 pm
Active Oxfordshire Family Sports Festival
Saturday 25 April from 7-8.30 pm
All Change Dance Performance, Pegasus Theatre
Saturday 4 July from 11 am-6 pm
Birmingham Disability Festival