Dance Blast, the community arts organisation for Monmouthshire has been awarded a Lottery grant by the Arts Council of Wales to develop its disability work, including the formation of a new company specifically for disabled people across Monmouthshire.

Some 18 months ago, in response to demand, Dance Blast set up its disability dance programme, which has rapidly become a fundamental aspect of the work delivered at the Dance Centre in Abergavenny and highly respected by partner organisations in Monmouthshire.

Provision began with a weekly class, ‘Danceability’, which meets every Tuesday 6.30pm-7.30pm (cost: £3 per session). The class provides a safe and inclusive environment for participants with all kinds of disabilities to enjoy music and movement, explore their creativity and make new friends.

The class was described by one participant as “life changing…the first place I have ever felt accepted and able to be me”.

The grant from the ACW will facilitate the continuation of this weekly class and the development of a new dance company specifically for those with additional needs, providing opportunities to experience and develop their creativity and to perform.

The new disAbility dance company will be based at The Dance Centre in Abergavenny and begins Friday, November 6. The disAbility dance company is open to anyone with any disability from across Monmouthshire. If you’d like more information why not come along to a taster session Thursday 29th or Friday 30th October 10am-3pm (£5 for the whole day). Or give us a call 0751 5030926 or pop in to The Dance Centre, Penypound, Abergavenny, NP7 5UD.