ABCD: Any Body Can Dance was a 10-week project for diverse communities in Chelmsford to get together, socialise and be active.

Working with Chelmsford based Bollywood Dance tutor Sarika Golcha, Essex Cultural Diversity Project delivered Bollywood dance themed movement classes with participants from four community groups in Winter 2024: Chelmsford Sikh Association, Chelmsford Hindu Group, Chelmsford Muslim Association, and the Nepalese Gurkha Community Group. Dance sessions were fun and interactive, open to all ages and had a family focus, taking place in the Beaulieu Community Centre.

The project was delivered in response to several health concerns that often affect diverse communities; Essex Cultural Diversity Project has identified that opportunities to exercise can often be limited, especially for those aged 35-65 due to family commitments and low paid jobs with long hours and shift work. Long COVID has also had a major impact on these communities, and some traditional food diets with high cholesterol including fried food, high levels of sugar and salt intake have contributed to major health issues.

45 participants attended two-weekly sessions and sessions were adapted to individual needs from fast to slow dance moves for all ages. With a 30-minute dance workout burning 130 to 250 calories, the project overall has supported weight loss, stress relief and improved mental health, building stamina through excellent cardio workouts.

Following on from the ten-week sessions we have encouraged groups to continue the dance sessions in their own community settings. Due to high level of interest and demand for ABCD: Any Body Can Dance, participants have continued with the weekly sessions, paying a minimum contribution for hall hire and tutor fees.

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