Young dancers trip the light fantastic for Wiganers

As singers and musicians, impressionists and magicians return to our television screens, young dancers have been proving that Wigan’s ‘got talent’, with their hard work and creative flair starring in their own show for the town’s older community at Belong Wigan.
Twisting, twirling, and tapping their way to impress their ‘judges’, the twinkle toes, aged three upwards, displayed an array of ballet, modern, and contemporary routines before finding themselves on the receiving end of rousing applause from their audience. Later, they enjoyed a glimpse of fame, signing autographs and taking questions at the aftershow party.
Community support workers from Belong at Home, which provides a domiciliary care service to people in the wider community, as well as those living in the village’s independent living apartments, invited the talent from KAM Performing Arts Academy to entertain customers with the unforgettable experience.
The showcase turned out to be a huge success, with one relative commenting: “It was amazing! Mum absolutely loved it.” Another added: “Thank you, Belong, for arranging this; it meant our dad could watch his granddaughters perform again.”
Sophie Walls, area manager at Belong at Home Wigan provides more detail: “Our customers thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It’s our job to offer them a helping hand in their homes and facilitate enjoyable experiences and this time, it’s thanks to the children and their beautiful, confident performances – they were superstars!”
Karina Matuszewski, certified dance teacher at KAM Performing Arts Academy, added: “To hear the Belong audience’s ‘oohs’ and ‘wows’ was an amazing feeling. Our girls worked their socks off and sparkled on stage so much that we’ve been asked back again. A truly magical day for all.”
Sophie continued: “We’re pleased to host this community get together and help the performers grow their confidence; our customers loved offering their own advice and memories of their dance days. I’d say it was golden buzzers all round for our guests.”
In related dance news, Belong Wigan invites the community to don their dancing boots for Wild Bill’s line dancing session next month, with a mix of standing and chair-based routines included. The dementia specialist also holds a monthly dementia café, aimed at providing a support network for people living locally, their carers and loved ones, with complimentary guidance, advice, and entertainment. For more information, request a copy of the village What’s On programme by emailing enquiries@belong.org.uk
Pictured: Wigan's young dancers showcase their talents for older people residing at Belong Wigan in Platt Bridge.