OUR IMPACT
Over the last decade, we have worked with and not for, communities co-designing community dance programmes with local people. We run our own building and deliver 72 weekly activities across schools, libraries, parks, care homes, sheltered housing schemes, community centres, hospitals and local authority sports centres in all seven boroughs where we work. We also partner with universities, including Kingston, Middlesex and Roehampton. Our community dance programmes tackle loneliness, poor health, food poverty and social exclusion by working with older people, disabled adults, children and low-income families, in areas of London with high deprivation.
Impact
80% of DanceWest participants feel healthier and happier as a result of taking part in our dance sessions.
70% of our classes are free.
90% of participants report feeling more socially connected and less isolated.
100% of parents/carers agreed that our Fit & Fed programme helped their child develop their social skills, confidence and self-esteem.
“The classes provide a head to toe work out, my GP has told me I should keep going and I feel better for attending but I can’t pay for them”. Participant feedback Move to Health by DanceWest.
“DanceWest has made a significant impact on people with learning disabilities and autism within our HF Mencap service, giving them meaningful opportunities to express themselves through dance that is adapted for all abilities and disabilities. We love working with DanceWest for their out-of-the-box thinking, creative ideas and innovative approach, as well as their outstanding support across different projects. Over the past five years, DanceWest has had a profound and positive influence on our young people and adults, promoting creativity, inclusivity and wellbeing. We are truly grateful for everything DanceWest delivers to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be healthy, active, and connected.” Jolita Anupreviciute Hammersmith & Fulham Mencap
Download our Impact Report 2025
Download our Financial Reports 2018-2024
Our Story
Since 2014, we have been at the forefront of high-quality dance programmes, using creativity to address challenges such as poor health, socio-economic disadvantage, and unequal access to physical activity. DanceWest was founded by choreographer and producer Rosie Whitney-Fish, driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in her community. We are a trusted cultural anchor: visible, accessible, and recognised locally as a safe, inclusive space.
Our Community Dance programmes are supported by
