“My
Welcome from our Chair
Let me start by welcoming you all to the annual report and introducing myself as the new Chair of Trustees.
As this is my first scripted welcome, I feel I should begin by telling you a little about who I am. My name is Sarah Hollis and I am a recently retired Head Teacher from an independent preparatory school in The London Borough of Harrow.
Although I began my career in advertising and journalism, I have spent most of my working life in education, both in the state and independently financed sectors, in a variety of roles. This enthusiasm has followed me into retirement, with a role in a charity dedicated to the care, advancement, and well-being of children with Down’s Syndrome, as well as the newly appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees here at icandance.
I first became engaged with icandance through my school, through a fundraising event and was immediately keen to become involved. Wanting to learn more, I attended Saturday dance sessions and parent meetings, and I was moved to see how animated the children and young people were, as they enjoyed working with the dedicated and skilled team. Finding the areas within a child and young person that light their imagination is truly the route to best helping children in all aspects of their life. Being able to do that through the medium of dance whilst the communication routes vary so widely, very much focused my mind on its importance. Dance and disability represent a powerful intersection where art, creativity, and inclusivity come together to challenge stereotypes, promote self-expression, and empower disabled individuals.
I was delighted to attend the annual performance at the Alexandra Palace Theatre in July, after joining the charity as a board trustee over a year ago. It was an incredible event, with all the hard work visible in the diversity of dances performed and the smiles on the dancers’ faces both on stage and as they exited the auditorium. The happiness was evident in all involved, including from the icandance team and its larger family of parents, carers, friends, and wider community.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the contributions of all those involved, as well as our benefactors, to whom I extend a heartfelt appreciation (and a request for the future) from all of us on the Board.
I am very much looking forward to fulfilling my role as Chair and extend heartfelt thanks from the entire icandance community to our previous Chair, Caroline Bradley, for her superb direction and leadership.
Speaking on behalf of our board, we are all excited to work alongside Juliet and her amazing team, the dancers and their families who continue to motivate our work to build a more creative and inclusive society. I look forward to the moments we will share and the connections we will forge as we head into the next year at icandance.
Sarah Hollis, Chair of the Board of TrusteesReview of the Year from our Founder and CEO
‘STRONGER’ was the title of our annual performance this year chosen by our young people. Their voices grow stronger and stronger each year as the charity continues to grow and shape around them and their families. Our work at icandance focuses on each community member’s strengths and the relationships needed to indeed be stronger!
Too often disabled children and young people can be presented as feeble, fragile, and overly needy putting strain on resources. More than ever we, at icandance, aim to change this narrative and highlight what is possible and how strength cannot thrive in isolation.
Equally we cannot grow in strength as an organisation without the support of funders and the generosity of individuals and organisations. We are reliant on this to be the best we can be and to offer equal opportunities to each dancer. Over the financial year August 2022 to July 2023, we have returned to full face to engagement for the first time since before the pandemic including building up our team, developing relationships with families and returning to more community based projects.
We have focused on solidifying our work and our approach, extending on ideas and opportunities for the dancers to lead the way with skilful support from the team. We have attempted in this report, to not only share the numbers which indicate our impact, but the personal stories and meaningful relationships which are core to our work. We continue to work in depth and breadth making sure that as a community we grow together. This year is evidence that we truly are stronger together.
Now more than ever we need you. Whether you are a dancer, a family member, a funder, or a curious new friend I hope this report will evidence what is possible when indeed we celebrate difference and build a community, together. Watch this year’s short film about being Stronger Together here:
Juliet Diener accessible activity where they can just be themselves, no judgement.”
Who we are
icandance is a creative, therapeutic community that caters for the needs of children, young people and their families with living experience of disabilities. Working with disabled children and young people aged 4 to 25 years old, we offer a specialised approach which enables and empowers through dance and performance.
Our work is child centred, family focused, and community connected. For the child, we focus on what they can do, rather than what they cannot and believe that dance gives those with disabilities a voice.
Our sessions are a space for young people to creatively express their inner world to those around them, connect with others, have fun, feel seen, gain skills, and develop socially and emotionally within a safe and supportive environment.
We believe that when we support the child, we support the family. As we support the family directly, we enhance outcomes for the child. By creating spaces for family members to share experiences, develop skills and understanding, we empower individuals as well as strengthen our community.
Our dance performances gather the wider community as we celebrate our differences and connect as a community.
Our Vision
(how we want the world to be)
A society enriched by disabled children and young people who are equally valued for their abilities.
Our goals (shaping our programmes):
Our Mission
(what we do)
Build a creative, therapeutic community which empowers disabled children, young people, and their families through icandance’s specialist approach to dance and performance.
Nurture creativity, learning & wellbeing
Disabled children and young people gain new skills, express themselves, feel valued, connected and seen through working creatively with the body.
Build support and community
Families, team members and each dancer feel part of a creative, therapeutic community which develops their understanding and skills to better support their/a child.
Our community is:
•
Dancers aged 4 to 25 years old
“The name ‘icandance’itselfbringsa smile on my child’s face and boosts his energy. ”
Our Values
(our guiding principles)
Joy, Love, Belief, Wellbeing, Creativity, Learning, Equality.
Change perspectives
The performances of disabled children and young people inform, influence and connect professionals and the wider community to reimagine dance and disability through embodied researched approaches.
Our dancers travel from across London and beyond to engage in our weekly core sessions.
•
Parents, Carers and families of dancers
•
Dance Partners (paid team members, students on placement, volunteers including young volunteers aged 14 to 18 years old)
7%
22.2%
Other Boroughs
LondonBorough ofHaringey
11.6%
London Borough of Barnet
3.5% Outside London
26.7%
London Borough of Camden
17.4%
London Borough of Brent
11.6%
London Borough of Islington
These figures were gathered in June 2023 from dancers attending icandance sessions directly. It does not include dancers who attend within their school community in the boroughs of Barnet and Haringey during Sept 2022 to July 2023.
What we do
Our programmes offer a variety of opportunities and pathways for children and young people (CYP) to use dance to express thoughts and feelings, build connections and develop transferable skills. The icandance approach focuses on the individual needs of the dancer, in partnership with families, to access the community dance experience.
Our programmes are built upon our charitable goals and are focused on providing enriching creative opportunities for the child, their family and the wider community.
In 2022-2023 we engaged with an average of 160 disabled CYP and their families on a weekly basis.
For the Dancer (Child/Young person)
Weekly group sessions for disabled children and young people. Sessions offer individual support from a team of specialists
• Supported Volunteer opportunities for alumni members of icandance as volunteer team members supporting young dancers each week
•
Monthly work experience opportunities for 16 to 25 year old young people developing skills alongside the team within the icandance office
• Weekly community engagement facilitating group sessions in Mapledown School, John Dewey College and KEF kids’ charity
•
Weekly individual Dance Movement Psychotherapy for disabled children and young people
• Social events such as Dance Parties and visits to the theatre
•
Our Community Leaders programme which consists of the young ambassadors, iam dance company and dance co-facilitators. This is a developing programme which uses dance and our young peoples lived experience to guide our charity and reach out into the community
“The team are absolutely outstanding. ”
For the Families
Respite for families with every CYP session offered
•
Winter Awards offering families an opportunity to come together and celebrate the individualised achievements of each dancer and connecting as a community
•
Two Parent Therapy groups for varying ages meeting x 2 times per term supporting parents as they navigate the challenges and joys of raising a disabled child
•
Training and connecting opportunities for families to meet with team members and other parents in an informal setting
•
Ongoing monitoring programme which culminates in a meeting with a team member to discuss their child’s experience at icandance
•
Dance parties for the whole family as well as other social community gatherings for parents to meet with each other
•
Learning from specialists through online professional speakers
“The team have our full support and confidence. Every single member respects the dancers. It is a welcome change from so many other areas of society.”
For the Team
Weekly team meetings which offer a reflective space to learn and plan our work with each dancer
•
Termly whole team clinical supervision with our founder and CEO Juliet Diener. This offers the team the opportunity to connect with their movement and feelings as they reflect on their role and responsibilities within the team
•
Twice termly clinical supervision for the Team leads with Dr Caroline Frizell reflecting on best practice as leaders and practitioners
•
Twice termly clinical supervision for the Executive Team with Dr Sara Bannerman-Haig reflecting on operational dynamics, leadership, teamwork and implementing the vision of the charity on a daily basis
•
Team trainings through the year including, epilepsy awareness, first aid, the icandance approach and Mediated Learning Experience. Delivered by a range of specialists
•
Individual team mentoring to support professional development including sharing of resources
• Termly team socials to build our community experience
For the wider Community
Ongoing performances by the iam dance company (our resident youth dance company) including at The Place Youth Platform, Kings College Dance Society Performances at Green Wood Theatre, FUSE Dance Festival at The Rose Theatre and at Alexandra Palace Theatre at our annual performance
Vlogs created by our Young Ambassadors sharing their experiences and ideas on dance, disability and creating an inclusive society. See one of our vlogs here: Why Do We Love Dance? The Young Ambassadors Vlog #4YouTube
Collaborating with other disability advocates including hosting a free evening webinar with renowned journalist Saba Salman and award winning disabled artist Laura Broughton and an interview with disabled dancer Joe Powell-Main . View the young ambassadors interviewing Joe here: Interviewing Disabled Dancer Joe Powell-Main | The Young Ambassadors Vlog #5 - YouTube
Delivery of trainings, workshops and public speaking opportunities to a wide audience including Balderton Capital, VMLY & R , MS Amlin, Creative Youth UK and A New Direction
Developing a research partnership with Goldsmiths University. This is an ongoing funded research project focusing on the emotional needs of parents of disabled children and young people during the pandemic and current cost of living crisis
Various publications by our founder and CEO, Juliet Diener, sharing the work of icandance including a book chapter, ‘Finding my way home: An embodied journey to building an inclusive dance community.’ Published in February 2023 in ‘Creative Bodies in Therapy, Performance and Community. Research and practice that bring us home’ by Dr Caroline Frizell and Dr Marina Rova, published by Routledge. Juliet also contributed to an article for the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing ( ISTD) about inclusive practice. Read it here: A process, not a destination - Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (istd.org)
Working partnerships with the following Tertiary Education settings to offer student placements: Roehampton, Goldsmiths, Laban and Westminster
Annual Performance at Alexandra Palace Theatre where families and the wider community celebrated each dancer
“I felt part of the team from day one. ”
“As always, the annual show was an emotional and joyous occasion.”
How we do it
Our specialised icandance approach is a fusion of tools and practices taken from Dance Movement Psychotherapy, traditional dance teaching methods and Special Educational Needs techniques. All facilitators are skilled Dance Movement Psychotherapists, ensuring we are able to consider how a dancer feels before we think about what they do.
We work from a creative therapeutic frame within a community setting, supporting families with living experience of disability. Sessions are skilfully and sensitively planned to nurture wellbeing, creativity and learning in each dancer with performance opportunities being a key outcome of the work. Group sizes vary between 10-15 disabled dancers with a high ratio of team members with most dancers receiving 1:1 support. The relationship between the dancer and their dance partner is central to our approach.
Our approach
“icandance has had a profound and positive impact on Calvin
Section 2
Report of the Trustees for the period of 1st August 2022 to 31st July 2023
The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the period ended 31st July 2023.
Structure, Governance and Management
icandance is a company limited by guarantee and governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association.
We are led by a Board of Trustees who ensure the charity meets its vision, mission and overall goals as delivered by the Executive Team. The Trustees meet five times per year including the AGM to maintain effective governance and attend additional events when required. The Chair and CEO meet outside of these meetings as well as the Treasurer and the Executive Team to ensure open communication between the Executive Team and the Trustee Board supports the sustainability of the charity.
Board of Trustees:
icandance continues to make the recruitment of skilled, experienced Trustees a priority to further strengthen the board and drive our vision forward. Our board represent diversity of skills, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds including parents with living experience of the disabled community. Trustees listed below relevant to this reporting year are:
Caroline Bradley (Chair, resigned 10.07.2022))
Sarah Hollis (Chair, appointed 05.12.2022, nominated Chair 10.7.23)
Renata Mendonca De Mello (Appointed 03.02.2022)
Dahlia Dajan (Resigned 31.08.2022)
Simon Goldsmith (Treasurer, resigned 5.12.2022)
Rupert Pearce (Resigned 5.12.2022)
Neil Cox (Resigned 10.7.2023)
Bavaani Nanthabalan (Appointed 03.02.2022)
Sam Carlisle (Appointed 27.02.2023)
Lee Lewis (Appointed 27.02.2023)
Chantal Cantle (Appointed 05.12.2022)
Allia Shamji (Appointed 05.12.2022)
Newly appointed Trustee, whilst not within this financial year, but relevant to this report, is
Max Cole (appointed 02.10.2023).
Management
Our Executive Team leads icandance on a weekly basis and reports to Trustees on operational outputs. The Executive Team ensures that icandance delivers its vision and purpose each week to every child and their family. They are Juliet Diener (Founder & Chief Executive Officer)
Lewis Dryburgh (Chief Operating Officer) and Natalia Skarpeta (Head of Creative Programmes).
Here is a summary of the organisational chart: Board of Trustees
Paid
icandance
A
13
154
160
We measure our impact by each child’s individual development assessed through a robust bespoke monitoring system, namely ‘My Journey’ created at icandance through research, reflective practice and parental feedback. Each dancer’s ‘My Journey’ evidences a dancer’s development through the year against our three monitoring areas namely: wellbeing, creativity, and learning. Our monitoring system allows the team to identify areas of focus, the strategies needed to enable the dancer to develop in these areas and indicators that show evidence of this development. This is then given a numerical value on a scale to quantify the dancer’s growth alongside the qualitative reflections from the team.
18
Our monitoring areas are defined as:
How each dancer develops their self-confidence and self-belief, leading to an enhanced understanding of themself and relationships with others. Howeachdancer develops new
“We cherish icandance.”
A dancer’s journey at icandance:
A dancer will attend a free trial which will then lead to confirming a place at icandance.
The dancer takes time to settle into the space and is supported by the team to develop emotional safety. The dancer is given a named dance partner (team member) who works with them weekly for the rest of the academic year.
The dance partner and team build a relationship with the dancer and their family over 4-6 weeks and then identify focus areas and strategies to support the dancer. Focuses are personalised goals to nurture wellbeing, creativity and learning. Strategies are used by the team to enable the dancer to develop in their focus area.
Throughout the year, the dance partner works with the dancer and notes down indicators, which are examples that indicate how the child is moving towards their goal. Together, we record the achievements and milestones of each dancer. The team also records their progress on a scale of values from 1-10 each term.
The dancer participates in the Winter Awards, where they perform a winter-themed dance for friends and family gently developing their performance skills.
The dancer is also invited to family dance parties and icandance community gatherings throughout the year.
All dancers start to prepare for the annual show where they collaborate on sharing ideas and practicing their performances.
The dancer participates in the annual show!
The icandance team completes all monitoring values and indicators.
Parents are invited for a feedback meeting to reflect on the dancer’s development.
The team sets a focus for the dancer for the following year based on their current experience.
Aaron’s Story:
Aaron began his journey at icandance in the Autumn of 2021, firstly on the children’s site and then transitioning to the young people’s site the following year. Due to the complexities of his social, emotional, and learning needs including his diagnosis of autism and extreme anxiety, Aaron had experienced a great deal of isolation before attending icandance. His family were keen to support him in engaging with a community of peers. He loves music and dancing, so when they found icandance we all agreed it was a perfect match for Aaron. Offering a 1 to 1 skilled dance partner (specialist support worker) gave Aaron the reassurance that there was always someone ready to meet him and together they would make the dance session possible. He was excited to meet new peers and had his dance partner readily available to help him build relationships and find ways to express himself. Finding safety in the dance space and transitioning from being independent of his mother took partnership working and a reflective approach. At first, Aaron would continuously check where his mother was, finding it challenging to be separated and calm within the space. Working together, the team and Aaron’s family created strategies and consistency in his routine enabling him to become more and more engaged in the sessions. He responded to intentional touch, deep breathing, and visual behavioural strategies supporting him in becoming more grounded and maintaining longer engagement with his dancing peer group. Increasingly so, he would stop pacing to meet the gaze of others and share a moment of connection with them. Through developing a nurturing, trusting relationship with his dance partner and by consistently reassessing his goals and strategies, he began connecting at a more personal level being able to jog alongside her, slow down, and eventually walk alongside her. He began to reflect on what his peers were doing, and he eased into the structure of the session. The anxiety leading him to seek his mother, also lessened significantly. Aaron started to greet other dancers and team members by their names, whilst actively seeking interactions with his group.
Alongside the team, Aaron’s mother was also witnessing Aaron’s progress and his positive response to his dance partner and the group. After encouragement and to maintain consistency between home and icandance, she adopted the techniques used in icandance sessions at home, which proved to be effective.
One of the greatest successes in Aaron’s journey was his participation at the 2023 annual show. As the annual show approached, Aaron took part in his group’s idea to perform as superheroes. The theme allowed him to try out and extend into new movements. He enjoyed moving with his shiny new cape and when looking at himself in the costume, he had a sense of pride which inspired new stories and poses for his superhero character. Although the group was rehearsing for the show, there was uncertainty around how he would respond to being on stage at Alexandra Palace for the first time. The previous year, he chose not to go on stage, so the team were preparing him for different levels of engagement with the annual performance. With the support of the team and the great support of his mother, Aaron finally performed on stage and shone! His resilience and perseverance were celebrated as he confidently stepped onto stage in full costume. He even gestured to the audience to clap for him! We are all so incredibly proud of Aaron.
Our specialist approach allowed the team to work reflectively as we managed Aaron’s development through our monitoring system.
Offering an individualised approach whilst being part of a community which supported him, allowed for Aaron’s needs to be met and enabled him to thrive. We can’t wait to see what is next!
A summary of our monitoring:
In all areas of focus, 100% of our dancers showed improvement. Based on data from 1:1 support worker observation, on average, icandance’s children and young people improved by 3 progress levels on a 1 to 10 scale towards their personalised focus goals in wellbeing, creativity and learning. This was measured over the course of a year. Dancers have individualised focus areas and strategies to enable their development. These areas are reviewed termly with written indicators and marks on the scale. The scale is defined as: 1 to 3 working at current level, 4 to 7 working at focus level and 8 to 10 exceeding focus level.
Average Improvement Towards Wellbeing Focuses
Autumn Term
Spring Term
Summer Term
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
•Average wellbeing values of all icandance CYP
Average Improvement Towards Creativity Focuses
Autumn Term
Spring Term
Summer Term
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
•Average creativity values of all icandance CYP
Average Improvement Towards Learning Focuses
Autumn Term
Spring Term
Summer Term
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
•Average learning values of all icandance CYP
Please note the individualised ‘My Journey’ programme is part of the core icandance projects delivered by our team directly to over 80 dancers this year. In our outreach programmes, we adapt our monitoring system to focus on working with the organisation staff and parents/carers through training, developing group focus areas and performance outcomes.
The voice of our community:
Our work is informed by the lived experience of our community, and we actively seek opportunities to gather their views
Young Ambassadors
Our Young Ambassadors are a crucial part of hearing the voice of the young people with the group led by young people. The Chair of the group is Emily Farruku with Denecia Allen as Vice-Chair. and Denecia Allen is Vice-Chair. They are supported by the icandance team to lead the meetings according to the agenda and encourage the group to share their views. Young Ambassadors are actively involved at speaking at various events at icandance as well as sharing their views in the community and on their vlogs. They also support the design of various events including our successful dance parties. We had 9 members of the group over the year including past and new members. This is what some of the young ambassadors had to say about the year:
“I like dancing, can be more flexible. I really like the show because I like to do lots of dance.”
Ruby R
“My favourite thing about icandance is dancing with all of my friends.”
Tammy
“icandance is quite fun and I enjoy it. My favourite thing last year was spending time because it was quite nice.”
“One thing
I like about icandance is just the vibe. How everyone is so friendly. It’s like a family. One thing that I liked from last year was seeing everyone being so happy on the stage, being so proud doing their dance, showing their parents and families.”
Denecia
“I like the Christmas show from last year.”
Ruby M
“I love icandance because I love talking to my friends and I love being at icandance. My favourite thing from icandance last year was the show. I love to perform on stage.”
Sofia
“My favourite thing about icandance is probably the community because everyone is like a family. My favourite thing about last year was the show because everyone was really excited for it and I think everyone really enjoyed it and it was amazing, it was what everyone was working very hard to do.”
Kais
“We work together and practice together and dance with other people in the group. My favourite things from last year were the dance party and the show. I was selling drinks to customers and taking orders. We practiced for the show and worked together as a group and as a team.”
Sam
What our dancers had to say:
We find accessible ways to gather the views of our dancers. Some of the dancers acknowledged that they felt happy and anxious about certain things as well as sometimes not knowing how to answer the questions. This is reflected in the percentages gathered below.
are happy with the music are happy with the dancing. are happy with the show. are happy seeing friends. arewithhappy their dance partner. are happy with the space. are happy with the costumes.
“I like the team, I like to dance and work with adults.”
“Very happy and joyful. My favourite thing is the music and the winter awards.”
What our families had to say:
“Our daughter feels very proud to be part of this amazing show.”
“I like everyone coming togetherfabulous!”
“It was lovely to see the kids/young people given access to the experience of being in a show.”
What our team say about working at icandance:
“It’s a creative and social outlet for our child, she loves being part of a community. She now has built some solid friendships as a result of attending classes.”
“At the start of Edward’s time with icandance, I did not realise how helpful this would be for him - it really has been.”
“Seeing friends makes me very happy again and again.”
“I find all the training offered incredibly beneficial.”
“The show was truly special, and have lots of incredible memories.”
Our annual performance
“Building valuable relationships with the young people has been such an enjoyable experience for me.”
“Icandance allows me to positively impact lives, learn valuable lessons, and build meaningful connections in an environment of inclusion and mutual support.”
The most visible evidence of our work is the annual performance. Our year’s work presents in the experience of the annual performance for each dancer and their family. This year we worked with Children’s Voices in Action, an external assessment company, to evaluate the children, young people, their families and the teams experience of the the show. This was done through accessible means. The findings of their report enabled icandance to review this important event and apply the findings in the future. The full report can be found here: https://icandance.org.uk/children-and-young-people/performing/
An accessible version of the report can be read here: https://icandance.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/icandance-Child-Centred-EvaluationEasy-Read.pdf
Our year: icandance in action
Here are some of our highlights through the year.
September
Our year started off with some glamour as members of the iam dance company and their family, attended the Unique Arts Awards Ceremony to collect our award in the performance category.
January
November
Juliet was elected a Trustee of the ISTD. A prestigious opportunity to contribute her expertise within dance and inclusion to a wider international community.
October
Wandsworth Prep School chose to fundraise for icandance this year. Billie-Jo, one of our Young Ambassadors, spoke at their school assembly sharing her experience.
December
Our Winter Awards are a celebration of each dancer and an intimate gathering of their families. Watch this short clip to see the Christmas fun.
March
We performed as part of the Creative UK festival sponsored by the SkyArts hour. With interviews, behind the scenes footage and a spectacular performance by our dancer, Denecia and ENB artist Alice Bellini. See it all here:
The Warren theatre trip is always a highlight for our young people who enjoyed the costumes and music and meeting our wonderfully supportive cast members. The productions raise funds for charities including icandance.
May
Creating more of a connection between the icandance performance and the local community we led dance workshops at Alexandra Palace for disabled children and young people.
February
The iamdance company was selected to perform their piece, ‘STRONGER’ at The Place’s Youth Platform. It was an explosion of fire, dynamic movements and audience applause. Watch their performance here:
April
Great to have some of our dancers completing their monthly work experience in the office. Helping with costume making, shredding and organising Makaton symbols.
July
A collaboration between the iam dance company and Pips Dance Academy created the piece, ‘STRONGER TOGETHER’ which brought able and disabled dancers together to share their love of dance. Learn more about how they worked together here:
June
An informative and inspiring evening speaking to renowned author and journalist Saba Salman and awardwinning disabled artist Laura Broughton about the book, ‘Made possible’.
Our creative partners through the year:
Mapledown School – Delivering weekly icandance sessions, as well as training sessions for the team and families.
Alexandra Palace -leading community workshops at the creative space as well as being supported by their technical and events team to present our accessible, inclusive annual performance.
KEF kids Charity - offering weekly sessions supporting orthodox Jewish disabled children to access dance and performance within their community.
A New Direction - offering team trainings and opportunities for our team including our young ambassadors to lead an online dance workshop to schools across London.
Wave Café - working together to host an evening of dance and social engagement with our dancers and their community enjoying the Wave Café and a dance workshop led by icandance.
MahaDevi Yoga –delivering a dance workshop at their community gathering for their families with disabled children and young people.
Creative youth UK – Performing and leading a workshop at the FUSE Festival.
John Dewey Specialist College –offering weekly icandance sessions to disabled young people aged 16 years upwards.
Hayward Adventure Playground (Kids Charity)part of their secret shopper scheme by delivering an icandance session.
Alice Bellini from English National Ballet –remains an ongoing partner with icandance performing with our dancers and advocating for inclusive dance practice.
Looking ahead:
Our plans for the following year include:
Continuing to develop creative ways to ensure the dancer’s voice directs our work
Reach more children and young people in a week by working directly within their communities
Implement a training programme for disabled young people to enable working opportunities
Develop paid work opportunities for dancers aged 18 plus
Focused team development on specific areas
Further performance and speaking opportunities for our Community Leaders programme
Ensure robust and efficient operational processes
Embed our work in research and guiding principles
“The team are absolutely outstanding. Thank you for everything you have done for Edward.”
“A heartwarming experience to
see our son up on stage and proud to be himself.”
Section 3
Charity Name: ICANDANCE
Governing documents: Memorandum and Articles of Association
Charity registration number: 1137695
Company registration number: 07168545
Registered Office address: Green Man Community Centre Strawberry Vale Finchley N2 9BA
Directors and Trustees:
The Directors of the charitable company (the Charity) are also the Trustees for the purpose of charity law. The Trustees serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:
Caroline Bradley (Chair, resigned 10.07.2022))
Sarah Hollis (Chair, appointed 05.12.2022, nominated Chair 10.7.23)
Renata Mendonca De Mello (Appointed 03.02.2022)
Dahlia Dajan (Resigned 31.08.2022)
Simon Goldsmith (Treasurer, resigned 5.12.2022)
Rupert Pearce (Resigned 5.12.2022)
Neil Cox (Resigned 10.7.2023)
Bavaani Nanthabalan (Appointed 03.02.2022)
Sam Carlisle (Appointed 27.02.2023)
Lee Lewis (Appointed 27.02.2023)
Chantal Cantle (Appointed 05.12.2022)
Allia Shamji (Appointed 05.12.2022)
Company secretary: Mr L M Dryburgh
Bankers: Barclays Bank PLC Leicester LE87 2BB
In preparing this report, the Trustees have taken advantage of the small company exemptions provided by section 415A of the Companies Act 2006.
By order of the Trustees
Financial overview
Income generated slightly decreased to £217,309 (2022 £225,593) and expenditure increased to £227,452 (2022 £209,798). The total resources expended during the year have been in furtherance of icandance’s charitable objectives.
Cash balances decreased to £108,850 (2022 £138,045).
At the end of this period there is an unrestricted surplus of £112,629 (2022 £110,149) (excluding designated reserves). The Trustees’ intention is to retain reserves covering between 4 to 6 months running costs and they are of the opinion that this is an appropriate level of surplus and reserves generation and use.
Reserves are also underpinned by liquid cash balances, which provide essential working capital funding for day-to-day operating costs, supporting the delivery of the organisation’s objectives in an efficient and cost-effective way.
Free reserves is a useful proxy for liquidity and working capital management as well as a recognised indicator in the sector when reported in ‘weeks of expenditure’. The current level of free reserves represents 21 weeks (2022 24 weeks) of total resources expended.
The Trustees are therefore of the opinion that the level of reserves is acceptable and will provide a sufficient buffer for icandance. On this basis, the Trustees also consider that the charity has adequate resources to continue operating for the foreseeable future.
Mrs S Hollis (Chair)
4th December 2023
“A safe, loving atmosphere where my child can express herself through dance. A great opportunity for her to spend time with people she loves (staff and peers), while listening to music, playing and dance therapy.”
Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of Icandance (‘the Charity’)
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 July 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the Charity (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
This report is made solely to the Charity’s Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations
2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity’s Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity’s Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Date: 4th December 2023
“Building valuable relationships with the young people has been such an enjoyable experience for me.”
Statement of Financial Activities (including Income & Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 July 2023
Balance Sheet as at 31 July 2023
Balance Sheet as at 31 July 2023
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure relate to continuing activities.
The Charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The Charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies’ regime.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies’ regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 4th December 2023 and signed on their behalf by:
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 4th December 2023 and signed on their behalf by:
Mrs S Hollis (Chair) Company Number: 7168545
“Being
Notes to the Accounts
General Information
ICANDANCE is a charitable organisation, registered in England and Wales, with a registration number 1137695. The address of the registered office is Green Man Community Centre, Strawberry Vale, Finchley, N2 9BA. The principal objective of the charity is the provision of dance and creative arts services to young people with disabilities.
1. Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items considered material in relation to the financial statements.
a) Basis of preparation of accounts
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and applicable accounting standards and follow the recommendations of Accounting and Reporting by Charities - Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS 102 SORP 2019) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
icandance meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
b) Going Concern
The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis which assumes that current and future sources of funding and support will be more than adequate for the charitable company’s needs.
Trustees are aware of the risks of increasing cost of living and inflation poses for the charities fundraising income. Trustees continue to be vigilant, holding regular meetings monitoring income and expenditure closely. During this time the charity may experience an increase of costs due to the unpredictability of the financial markets. Trustees and the Executive team continue to work actively together to monitoring this for the charity.
c) Income
All income is accounted for when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
Voluntary income is received by way of donations and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable.
Grants where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the income.
Legacies are included in full in the financial statements when there is sufficient evidence to provide the necessary certainty that the legacy will be received, and the value of the incoming resources can be measured with sufficient reliability.
d) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis when a liability is incurred as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure.
Expenditure includes any VAT, which cannot be recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.
e) Fund accounting
Unrestricted and Designated funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees to further any of the charitable objectives of the charity. Restricted funds comprise monies raised for, and their use restricted to, a specific purpose, or donations subject to conditions imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.
f) Fixed assets
Fixed Assets (excluding investments) are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset over its expected useful life, which in all cases are estimated at 3 years.
g) Financial instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their amortised cost.
h) Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
i) Creditors
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
j) Bank
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
2. Legal status
The Charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The liability of each member in the event of winding-up is limited to £10.
“What I like about icandance is everything. I enjoy new movements, it makes me feel good. It is my mission to dance and it makes me feel very power ful.”
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
3. Comparative Analysis of income and expenditure
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
3. Comparative Analysis of income and Expenditure
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
4. Analysis of expenditure
5. Analysis of staff costs
The average monthly head count 9 staff (2022: 9 staff) and the average number of full-time equivalent employees in the period was 3.5 staff (2022: 3 staff).
No employees had employee benefits in excess of £60,000 (2022: nil).
6. Taxation
icandance is a registered charity and therefore is not liable to income tax or corporation tax on income or gains derived from its charitable activities, as they fall within the various exemptions available to registered charities.
“icandance creates a community and it allows us to move through dance and become empowered whilst being all together and being a strong community and evolving together. And I think it really creates a strong message of empowerment.”
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
10. Trustee remuneration, employee benefits & related party transactions
7. Tangible Fixed Assets
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
7. Tangible Fixed Assets
7. Tangible Fixed Assets
equipment
a) None of the Trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity or were reimbursed expenses in either the current or prior year.
b) The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Founder and CEO, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Creative Programmes whose remuneration totalled £90,382 (2022 £80,742).
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
11. Restricted incoming funds
11. Restricted incoming funds
11. Restricted incoming funds
£
8. Debtors
8. Debtors
8. Debtors
Restricted Funds:
Restricted Funds:
These comprise donations and grants received for the specific projects that the charitable company administers and are as follows:
Restricted Funds:
These comprise donations and grants received for the specific projects that the charitable company administers and are as follows:
Disability Dance group:
Disability Dance group:
9. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
9. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Amounts
due within one year
9. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
10. Trustee remuneration, Employee Benefits & related party transactions
10. Trustee remuneration, Employee Benefits & related party transactions
10. Trustee remuneration, Employee Benefits & related party transactions
10. Trustee remuneration, Employee Benefits & related party transactions
a) None of the Trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity or were reimbursed expenses in either the current or prior year.
a) None of the Trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity or were reimbursed expenses in either the current or prior year.
a) None of the Trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity or were reimbursed expenses in either the current or prior year.
a) None of the Trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity or were reimbursed expenses in either the current or prior year.
b) The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Founder and CEO, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Creative Programmes whose remuneration totalled £90,382 (2022 £80,742).
b) The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Founder and CEO, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Creative Programmes whose remuneration totalled £90,382 (2022 £80,742).
b) The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Founder and CEO, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Creative Programmes whose remuneration totalled £90,382 (2022 £80,742).
b) The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Founder and CEO, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Creative Programmes whose remuneration totalled £90,382 (2022 £80,742).
These comprise donations and grants received for the specific projects that the charitable company administers and are as follows:
Amounts received specifically to meet the costs of a disability dance group, which the Charity hosts.
Amounts received specifically to meet the costs of a disability dance group, which the Charity hosts.
Disability Dance group:
Amounts received specifically to meet the costs of a disability dance group, which the Charity hosts.
• The Strategic Development Fund has been designated as part of the charity’s longterm strategic plan to enable the charity to support both its ongoing activities and its growth programme in the future.
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
12. Unrestricted funds
12. Unrestricted funds
12.
Designated Funds:
Included in the above are transfers between general and restricted funds. The transfer between funds relates to the use of general funds on restricted projects.
Designated Funds:
The Funds have been set aside by way of a transfer from general funds by the Trustees as follows:
funds Designated Funds: Included in the above are transfers between general and restricted funds. The transfer between funds relates to the use of general funds on restricted projects.
Included in the above are transfers between general and restricted funds. The transfer between funds relates to the use of general funds on restricted projects
• The Disability Dance Group Fund has been designated to provide additional dance classes including a Youth Dance Company, Young Ambassadors group, a Nurture Group and an Alumni Group.
The Funds have been set aside by way of a transfer from general funds by the Trustees as follows:
The Funds have been set aside by way of a transfer from general funds by the Trustees as follows:
• The Disability Dance Group Fund has been designated to provide additional dance classes including a Youth Dance Company, Young Ambassadors group, a Nurture Group and an Alumni Group.
• The Disability Dance Group Fund has been designated to provide additional dance classes including a Youth Dance Company, Young Ambassadors group, a Nurture Group and an Alumni Group.
• The Strategic Development Fund has been designated as part of the charity’s long-term strategic plan to enable the charity to support both its ongoing activities and its growth programme in the future.
13. Analysis of net assets between funds – current year
• The Strategic Development Fund has been designated as part of the charity’s longterm strategic plan to enable the charity to support both its ongoing activities and its growth programme in the future.
13. Analysis of net assets between funds – current year
13. Analysis of net assets between funds – current year
Analysis of net assets between funds – prior year
Analysis of net assets between funds – prior year
14.
14. Related party transactions
Related party transactions
There were no related party transactions in the current or prior year
There were no related party transactions in the current or prior year
14. Related party transactions
“The team is the best. They are patient, understanding and caring.
That’s why my son is always looking forward for Saturday sessions.”
Thank you to our 2022-23 Team Members and Trustees, many of whom volunteer their time and skills.
Adriana Hamorova
Agnes Dewhirst
Allia Shamji
Amal Sefrioui
Amy Palmer
Anetha Rajah
Angeline Haas
Anna Canzani
Anna Mareschal
Annemarie Bos
Ariella Meyer
Balazs Vida
Barbara Perreira
Bavaani Nanthabalan
Belen Garderes
Berfin Bay
Caroline Bradley
Caroline Frizell
Caroline Seddon
Chantal Cantle
Courtney Cookson
Cydney Bailey
Dahlia Dajani
Dimitra Koulountzou
Eleanor Mack
Elizabeth Thacker
Emma Turner
Erini Katchis
Evridiki-Nana Yakubu
Federica Guida
Fiona Wood
Freyja Winterson
Gao Gao Wenjuan
Georgia Laco
Goretti Barjacoba
Hannah Steiner
Hoi Ching Leung
Ivan Rodriguez
Jessica Lovell
Josiane Reis
Juliet Diener
Justin Mills
Kyra Moore
Lana de Meillon Malard
Lee Lewis
Lewis Dryburgh
Lisa Ors
Li-Wen Wang
Luena Lagoa
Lynsey Balloch
Mara Heckmann
Margorzata Liskiewicz
Maria Troupkou
Marina Beresford Stooke
Marisa Flamino
Max Cole
Max Wilson
Mikey Bedoya
Morgane Lapeyre
Natalia Skarpeta
Neil Cox
Noelia Gonzalez Martinez
Ourania Sitra
Phoebe Lewis
Professor David Thacker
Raksha Viswam Srikanth
Renata Mendonca De Mello
Rupert Pearce
Sam Makhdumi
Samantha Carlisle
Sana Khan
Sara Bannerman Haig
Sarah Hollis
Shahida Bibi
Shang Ting-Tu
Shao Chein Huang
Simon Goldsmith
Styliana Charalampous
Sumeena Tangchotsakal
Talya Ganz
Tejee Bains
Viv Jani
Yasmin Gal
Yasmine Calil
Thank you to Fiona Bailey for providing our photographs and Lisa Jennings for designing our marketing material.
Thank you to our 2022-23 Funders:
John Cook
And many other generous donors who have donated through our online giving page. Thank you !
A special thanks to members of the icandance community who hosted various fundraising events on behalf of icandance. Thank you for sharing your generous spirit! They are:
Green Man
Community Centre
Strawberry Vale
London N2 9BA
+44 (0)7488 287102 info@icandance.org.uk www.icandance.org.uk
Charity Registration: 1137695
