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SAWDS Wins Inclusivity Award 2024: Celebrating Dance for All Abilities

October 23, 2024

We are incredibly proud to share that Sarah Anne Westcott Dance Studios has been awarded the prestigious Inclusivity Award 2024. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to creating a truly welcoming and inclusive environment for dancers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. The award honors our efforts in going "above and beyond to be all inclusive," a core value that has been at the heart of our studio since day one.

What the Award Means to Us

At Sarah Anne Westcott Dance Studios, inclusivity is not just a buzzword—it is a philosophy that shapes everything we do. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced dancer, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of dance in a supportive, accepting space. Winning this award means the world to us because it acknowledges our dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of their needs, can thrive.

As the award organisers noted:

“It is clear that this winner has a deep understanding of SEN; this is no doubt elevated by the fact that they offer SEN-specific sessions alongside conventional classes. Your commitment to inclusion is further exemplified by your use of tailored language to support PDA profiles and your relaxed uniform policy.”

SEN-Specific Sessions and More

One of the key elements that sets our studio apart is our specialized classes designed for children and adults with Special Educational Needs (SEN). These sessions provide a safe, comfortable space for dancers who may need extra support, with instructors who are trained to adapt lessons to suit individual requirements. We’re proud to offer:

  • SEN-specific dance sessions tailored to support various neurodiverse profiles.
  • A relaxed uniform policy, allowing students to feel comfortable and express themselves freely.
  • The use of social stories and visuals to help guide students through each session, making the learning process more accessible.
  • Resources from Neurowild to ensure we are always following neuro-affirming practices.

We take great pride in personalising our approach to each student. No two dancers are the same, and we ensure that our teaching methods and environments reflect this. As noted by the award organisers:

"Your support is never generic but always personalised and meticulously tailored."

Why Inclusion Matters in Dance

Dance is not just about learning steps; it’s about building confidence, expressing oneself, and finding joy in movement. We are committed to making sure that dance is accessible to everyone—whether that means offering a quieter, sensory-friendly environment, adjusting communication styles, or using visuals to support understanding. We believe that dance can break down barriers and unite people from all walks of life, and we’re so honoured that our approach has been recognized with this award.

Join Us Today!

We’d love for you to experience what makes Sarah Anne Westcott Dance Studios special. Whether you’re new to dance or have been dancing for years, we have a class for you. We offer a 4-week trial for all new students, so you can try out our classes, meet our teachers, and experience the welcoming, inclusive environment we’ve worked so hard to create.

Classes are available at our studio in Bideford, with additional sessions in Torrington on Fridays. Our experienced, qualified staff are here to help you or your child reach their full potential, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our dance family.

Book your trial today and be part of a studio that celebrates every dancer for who they are.


Thank you once again for supporting Sarah Anne Westcott Dance Studios. We’re incredibly grateful for this recognition and look forward to continuing to champion inclusion in everything we do.

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