Autism with Attitude (AwA) are set to become the first special needs dance team to take part in the United Dance Organisation European Street Dance Championships. The troupe, made up of students from Hillingdon Manor School, Uxbridge, will travel to Kalkar, Germany for the competition, which runs from 11-13 May.
“I am so proud of every single member of the team who have put their heart and souls into this in preparation for their milestone trip to Germany,” said AwA founder Jonathan Baron. “Not only are these talented students making history in the world of dance, they are really challenging themselves, conquering new feelings and environments, representing the UK on an international platform and acting as role models to young people with autism nationwide.”
The group will also take part in Autism Dance Day (ADD) (27 April), which involves fund raising dance events across the UK.
“Dance helps children with autism to enhance their social skills and to develop self-confidence,” commented autism activist and ADD organiser Anna Kennedy. “AwA will be demonstrating to young people with autism exactly what can be achieved with a little determination, enthusiasm and dedication. I’d love to see even more schools and communities getting their dancing shoes on for this fantastic event and helping to raise awareness and funds for autism.”
AwA was founded in 2013 at Hillingdon Manor School, which provides specialist education and support to students with autism.
