‘Everyone Can Dance if given the chance.’
Brian Gillespie (Founder)
Naughty? Or Needing Nurture?
I’m Brian Gillespie, the founder of IncluDancers.
I was blessed with a wonderful Aunt with a super power (Down Syndrome) for 14 years of my life. She taught me what it was like to have fun, feel my feelings, and ultimately love unconditionally.
My passion for inclusive education was ignited at age 15, shortly after Carmel passed ,when I taught my first dance class. I discovered that the so-called "naughty" children simply required different teaching approaches, which fuelled my dedication to supporting diverse learning styles.
As a creative educator, I've shared my expertise in inclusive education between the UK, Ireland and the Middle East. I've led workshops for educators, therapists, and artists on dance fundamentals and innovative teaching strategies. Most recently, I’ve realised there is a great need and demand for creative thinking training and basic performance training among therapists and medical professionals, as it enhances their practices’ adaptability and improves accessibility for their clients/students.
Online Shift.
The transition to online education during Covid-19 was pivotal in shaping the direction of Includancers. Many students discovered that online dance lessons were easier, as they faced less peer pressure and fewer distractions.
Family involvement also underscored the importance of inclusive dance opportunities and family bonding experiences. Watching family members engage in these sessions alongside my students from the comfort of their homes inspired me to make these experiences and exercises available at all times, especially for those in areas lacking physical access to such activities.
From these two experiences, my mission became clear;
to create an Online Home and Community for individuals of all backgrounds to access high quality dance/movement without limitations.
and to deliver Inclusive Training to as many practitioners as possible who can spread the joy of inclusive dance and accessible practices.
The Power of Choice in Dance
Many SEND students face limited opportunities to make everyday choices, whether it’s selecting clothing, meals, or activities. That’s why choice is a cornerstone of my classes. Students can pick the next song, activity, or routine, fostering autonomy and self-expression in an engaging, supportive environment.
Ready to learn more?
Enquire today to discuss how I can support your students or organisation. Together, we can make dance accessible to all.