Celebrating 20 Years of Inclusive Dance: Ivy Rose’s Story

On 13th July 2025, over 200 dancers from Salford Community Leisure’s Street Dance programme took to the stage in the prestigious Lowry Theatre, to celebrate 20 years of SCL Dance.

After weeks of rehearsals, the dancers delivered outstanding routines, delighting their family and friends.

Beyond fitness and performance skills, dance classes help young people develop confidence, resilience and self-esteem. Qualities that impact their lives far beyond the dance floor.

One of the dancers performing that day, Ivy Rose, has faced more barriers than most in her journey from the studio to the stage. However, thanks to SCL Dance’s accessible approach to dance tuition, Ivy Rose has gone from a child who struggled with confidence, to a girl who thrives in her dance classes, and who has found her place, centre stage. We’re sharing her story today in the hopes that it will inspire others to challenge themselves and discover new passions. Even those that may seem daunting at first.

Ivy Rose’s Story

Ivy Rose, has been part of the Street Dance programme for three years. While she is able to take part in mainstream classes, Ivy Rose has autism, global development delay and hypermobility, which has made her developmental journey different from many of her peers. Despite these challenges, she has found a deep love for dance, and the inclusive, welcoming space in Miss Rachel and Miss Anika’s classes has only made this love grow deeper.

Until recently, Ivy Rose struggled to perform in front of others, often shying away from school plays or group activities. But at this year’s showcase, she stepped onto the stage at The Lowry with confidence. It was a moment that moved her family to tears.

Her mum contacted us following the performance to say:

Ivy Rose loves to dance and absolutely loves going to Miss Rachel’s classes each week. However, we have never been able to see Ivy Rose dance, she will often go into other rooms to dance. We can sometimes sneak a look, but only if she doesn’t catch us. Her confidence in social situations is very low she has never participated in school plays or sports day she just shies away.

We entered Ivy Rose into the dance show this year as her brother was taking part and she wanted too as well. Leading up to the show we were very uncertain she was going to participate.

To our surprise, Ivy Rose came out onto the stage and danced her little heart out. This was a huge moment for us all as a family and one that brought tears to our eyes.

Without the guidance, support and understanding from Miss Rachel and the team this would have never happened. Ivy Rose was so thrilled with herself too that she had done it.

Ivy looks forward to each Monday, because of going to dance. The progress and confidence she’s gained in dance has been phenomenal and that’s a credit to everyone involved in the dance classes.”

Ivy Rose’s story highlights the power of dance to transform lives, build confidence, and create opportunities for every child to shine.

Well done Ivy Rose!

Find out more about SCL School of Dance.