Dance charity in the running for top charity award

A charity which has transformed the lives of young Jewish people with disabilities through dance is in the running for one of the UK’s most prestigious third sector awards.

Organisation icandance, which has worked with Kef Kids and Kisharon Langdon, has been shortlisted in the Disability category in this year’s Charity Awards. The results are due to be announced at a ceremony on Thursday.

It has been nominated for its “unique approach” in blending dance movement psychotherapy, SEN education and dance technique to enable young people with disabilities “to express themselves and be celebrated for what they offer society”, said its founder and CEO Juliet Diener.

An icandance member (Photo: Fiona Bailey)[Missing Credit]

Speaking to the JC, she said: “We work from a psychotherapeutic framework, and many of our team are either dance movement psychotherapists or come from a SEN background. We don’t teach people to dance. We teach people to feel and express themselves. Each of us has a body and that body has a story to tell, and it’s just about finding a way to do that.”

In September, icandance, which is the Mayor of Camden’s chosen charity for the year, will be celebrating 20 years, and many of its graduates have stayed involved as spokespeople for the charity. “A crucial part of what we do is building an inclusive dance community,” said Diener. “Families say to us that they have found a place where their child feels truly seen and understood, that this has built their confidence, which has transferred to other areas of their lives.”

An icandance member with a teacher (Photo: Fiona Bailey)[Missing Credit]

One parent said of their child’s experience with the charity: "We have tried countless therapies, but nothing compares to icandance. The progress my child has made, physically, emotionally, and socially, is unparalleled. It’s the only place where they feel completely understood and empowered." 

In February, former JFS pupil Reuben Francis, gave a powerful performance at the school in front of Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips during a dance competition. Reuben, who became involved with icandance several years ago, now leads dance session with the charity at SEN schools.

Reuben Francis performing his solo dance (Photo: JFS)[Missing Credit]

The Charity Awards is the sector’s most highly regarded excellence recognition scheme and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. All 30 shortlisted charities have been judged by an independent panel of sector leaders, as having demonstrated best practice in leadership and management from which other organisations can learn. Joining icandance in its category are The Brain Charity and the National Autistic Society.

The 10 category winners, plus the recipients of the Overall Award for Excellence and the Daniel Phelan Award for Outstanding Achievement, will be announced at a black-tie dinner, hosted by BBC news presenter Asad Ahmad.

An icandance performer (Photo: Fiona Bailey)[Missing Credit]

Matthew Nolan, chief executive of Civil Society Media which organises the Charity Awards, said: “At a time when the sector is struggling with higher costs, shrinking donations and ever-increasing demand for its work, it is reassuring and inspiring to see the extent and quality of charitable activity that is still going on across the country. We wish icandance the best of luck on the night.”

The Holocaust Educational Trust is also in the running for an award in the education and training category for their Testimony 360 Project.