Treloar School’s participation in Dance Live 2024 is a shining example of their commitment to breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity, earning them this year’s NASS Award in the Breaking Barriers category. Their journey to the stage was anything but straightforward, requiring determination, creativity and collaboration to overcome significant accessibility challenges. The result was an inspiring performance that showcased the talent and resilience of their students, while also paving the way for lasting change.
In this feature article, Lisa Bond, Headteacher at Treloar School speaks about their experiences. You can also watch a short video here.
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A seemingly impossible challenge
When we first decided to participate in Dance Live, we knew it would be a challenge. For an all-wheelchair dance team to perform, there were many logistical and practical hurdles to overcome. The chosen venue, G Live in Guildford, presented its own unique challenges: accommodating 20 wheelchair users, addressing bathroom accessibility issues and developing a safe and practical fire evacuation plan.
However, we were determined to make it work. Working closely with the dedicated team at G Live, we tackled these obstacles head-on. Two extensive site visits allowed us to identify the key challenges and work collaboratively to find creative solutions.
The most significant breakthrough was the repurposing of the orchestra pit, which enabled all 20 performers and their staff to evacuate simultaneously in an emergency. This reduced evacuation time dramatically and ensured the safety of everyone involved.
We were delighted that the efforts of G Live to adapt their venue and embrace accessibility didn’t just solve immediate challenges, it also laid the groundwork for future inclusivity. Their team’s commitment to creating an accessible environment for our students was both inspiring and transformative.
Empowering every student
What makes me most proud about this journey is the way every single student was given the chance to shine. Dance Live wasn’t just a performance, it was a platform for personal growth.
For example, one student, who had not attended school for months was given the responsibility of designing the team’s logo. This project gave them a sense of purpose and connection and, for the first time in over a year, they visited the school to see their design brought to life on t-shirts.
Every student was assigned a role that stretched their abilities and showcased their talents, whether in choreography, costume design or performing. Seeing our students grow in confidence, push their boundaries and achieve things they never thought possible was truly heartwarming.
As one Matt Keer, the Breaking Barriers category judge noted: “Every single pupil involved was given something individual to do that stretched them, that their teachers and support staff clearly thought they had potential to do, that maybe the pupils didn’t think was possible.”
Our performance, inspired by George Swindlehurst’s pivotal role in the Paralympics, was not just a story told on stage it was a statement about resilience, inclusivity, and determination.
Making a lasting impact
The impact of our Dance Live journey extends far beyond the competition. Our collaboration with G Live and Dance Live has set new benchmarks for accessibility and inclusivity in performance spaces.
G Live has committed to upgrading their facilities based on the insights gained from this experience, ensuring they can welcome more performers with disabilities in the future. The organisers of Dance Live have also embraced these lessons, equipping them to better accommodate special schools and disabled youth groups in their events.
G Live said: “The collaborative efforts and innovative solutions developed during this project have established a sustainable model for future initiatives. By breaking down physical and societal barriers, we have paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.”
Looking ahead
At Treloar School we believe in pushing boundaries, not just for our students, but for the wider community. Our participation in Dance Live has shown what can be achieved through creativity, collaboration and a refusal to give up.
We plan to continue participating in Dance Live every two years, building on this incredible experience and inspiring new generations of students to take on challenges and achieve their dreams.
This journey has been a testament to what is possible when we work together to break barriers.