Gosforth dance group for people with learning disabilities and autism selected for Birmingham competition

The Liberdade Youth Dance group works with North East youngsters with learning disabilities and autism
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A fledgling Gosforth dance group are heading to Birmingham to showcase their skills.

The Liberdade Youth Dance group was only formed in September 2019 but has grown in members, skills and popularity quickly.

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The group works with people with learning disabilities and autism in the North East of England.

The young dancers will travel to Birmingham to take part in the U.Dance National Festival held in the city from Friday, July 22 to Sunday, July 24, just one week before the Commonwealth Games comes to the city.

The group come together on a Wednesday evening at the Gosforth Civic Theatre to learn new skills in contemporary dance, physical theatre and choreography.

The Liberdade Youth Dance group was selected from hundreds of entries to take part in the three-day festival with their piece All The Lonely People.

Selection is a big coup for the dance groupSelection is a big coup for the dance group
Selection is a big coup for the dance group
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The dance is choreographed by group leaders Heather Huggins and Kelly Turnball and was originally inspired by the music of The Beatles.

Speaking about being selected for the festival, group leader Heather Huggins said: “It's important for young dancers to take part in opportunities like U.Dance because it allows them to experience different dance genres, develop their skills and participate in peer learning.

“For our performers, it gives them a sense of belonging to a bigger community and raises self-esteem.”

Co-group leader Kelly Turnball added: “We are excited to be representing the North East of England at this fantastic event because we feel it is important to raise the profile of learning disabled dance nationally!”