Curvy women are invited to use dance to develop body confidence at a series of classes in Salford.
Curves & Confidence Dance has sessions every Thursday at JD Dance studio, led by dance instructors Leah Coleman and Tara-Jane Warburton, to celebrate the beauty of curvaceous women.
The dance classes began last year but, due to Covid-19 restrictions all dance studios closed. So, Tara and Leah had to pause classes, re-open and launch back in September.
Leah describes her journey forming the class and said: “Unfortunately it has been stop and start, but we have been resilient and keep pushing for the class to be a success.”
Curves & Confidence Dance are led by accredited industry professionals. Tara has a large catalog of experience and has been teaching dance for over 13 years. She has also completed a Masters Degree in Inclusive Dance and Community Practice.
The company is passionate about creating safe space for dancers to feel comfortable. All of the classes are soundtracked by badass female music artists such as, Beyonce and Dua Lipa to inspire confidence. The two instructors have said that class members are encouraged to express themselves through high energy dance choreography.
Tara said : “I believe in equality and inclusion no matter your ability or experience I always treat people equally.”
The inclusive dance class was originally founded because of the personal discrimination dancers Leah and Tara experienced within the industry, as they experienced not fitting the mould in dance classes. They both express that a key goal is to create an uplifting and exhilarating atmosphere for members to dance and grow in confidence.
Leah, the founder of Curves and Confidence, said: “As a plus-size dancer myself I’ve struggled with confidence. When it comes to going to classes and as much as I love the classes and the choreography, sometimes I would feel a bit out of place because I didn’t look like everyone else.
She added: “I wanted to create a class where we celebrate our bodies, our curves and turn our insecurities into positives. We aim to boost confidence and to just have a good time and support each other.”
The dance sessions cover a range of dance styles and music that bring out the sass. Ranging from feel good commercial dance tunes such as Beyonce and Lizzo, and Missy Elliott to classic Dancehall anthems.
The devoted instructors and choreographers Leah and Tara cater to treating people equally, no matter what their ability, to create an inclusive space.
Leah said: “We both share the aim of wanting everyone to leave feeling more confident and happy in themselves so we will always go that extra mile to cheer everyone on.
“I think in the past few years the industry has really started to become more open minded and started to celebrate differences especially in size. So I think it is definitely starting to go in the right direction and hopefully it will carry on that way.”
Curves and Confidence Dance have big plans for the future. The plans are in place to stage events and performances within the Salford community to continue spreading a message of body positivity and expand the brand.
Classes are held every Thursday from 8pm-9pm at JD Dance Studio, Unit 1 Overbridge Road, Salford, M7 1SL.
Facebook: Curves & Confidence Dance
Mobile number: 07598435572
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