The Benefits of Seated Dance: A Journey from RAD Teacher to Seated Dance Instructor

Seated dance is a powerful, inclusive way to bring the joy and benefits of movement to people of all abilities. Whether you’re working with older adults, those with limited mobility, or individuals in rehabilitation, seated dance provides a unique opportunity to engage with the body, improve physical health and support mental wellbeing. For both dance and health professionals, incorporating seated dance into your practice can be a game-changer, helping you reach more people and make a deeper impact.
As someone who began their career as a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) teacher, my transition to seated dance was a pivotal moment in my professional and personal growth. Here’s why seated dance matters, why effective training is essential, and how continuing professional development (CPD) can elevate your practice.

Why Seated Dance?

Seated dance offers a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits, making it a valuable tool for health and dance professionals alike:

Physical Health:

It enhances coordination, flexibility, and strength without the pressure of standing or weight-bearing movements. It’s particularly effective for older adults or those recovering from injury.


Mental Wellbeing:

Dance releases endorphins, boosts mood, and promotes cognitive engagement. In seated dance, participants not only move their bodies but engage their minds, following sequences, keeping time with music, and connecting with others in a safe, supportive environment.


Social Connection:

Seated dance fosters community and reduces isolation, especially for those who may feel disconnected from traditional dance or fitness classes due to physical limitations.

The Importance of Effective Training

Effective seated dance training ensures that you’re equipped to tailor your instruction to various needs, making classes accessible and enjoyable for everyone. It’s not just about knowing dance steps; it’s about understanding anatomy, mental health, and how to create a nurturing, inclusive space. With appropriate training, you can modify exercises to suit all participants, ensuring they experience the full benefits of movement regardless of their physical capacity.

In my own journey, I found that mastering these skills was essential to building confidence as a seated dance instructor. Coming from a background in classical ballet, it was a learning curve to adapt my teaching to meet the needs of a more diverse range of bodies and abilities. That’s where CPD played a crucial role.

The Role of CPD in Seated Dance Development

Continuing professional development (CPD) is a key part of staying current and effective as a dance or health professional. Through CPD, you can expand your knowledge, refine your skills, and keep up with the latest research and practices in seated dance, mental health, and wellbeing.
As a seated dance instructor, CPD has been instrumental in my development, especially as I pursued an MSc in Mental Health and Wellbeing in Education. This postgraduate degree deepened my understanding of how movement, mental health, and education intersect. It gave me insights into the therapeutic potential of dance and taught me how to integrate mental health considerations into my classes—skills that have greatly enhanced my seated dance teaching.
By engaging in CPD opportunities, you can grow not just as a teacher but as a facilitator of health and wellness, learning to support your students or clients in more holistic ways. You’ll also gain formal recognition for your expertise, which is valuable for career progression and personal satisfaction.

Becoming a Seated Dance Instructor with Me

If you’re interested in bringing seated dance into your practice, I offer multiple pathways to become a seated dance instructor. My training programs are designed to suit a range of learning styles and schedules, ensuring that you can access high-quality training no matter your professional background.
Webinar Training: Join an interactive webinar session where you can learn the principles of seated dance, receive live feedback, and connect with other professionals.
1-2-1 Training: Personalized one-on-one training offers a tailored approach, focusing specifically on your needs and the groups you work with.
My Book: You can also explore seated dance at your own pace by reading my book, which offers detailed instruction, choreography ideas, and insights into the benefits of seated dance. The Practitioner’s Essential Guide to teaching seated dance across the lifespan
Each of these options counts toward your CPD points, enabling you to enhance your skills while meeting professional development requirements.

My Journey: From RAD Teacher to Seated Dance Specialist

My journey into seated dance began after years of teaching traditional ballet and dance through the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance). While I loved working with students on their technique and performance, I began to see the broader impact dance could have, especially in non-traditional settings. I wanted to make dance more accessible, particularly for those who faced physical or cognitive challenges.
When I discovered seated dance, I knew it was the perfect blend of my passion for dance and my growing interest in health and wellbeing. My MSc in Mental Health and Wellbeing in Education allowed me to deepen my understanding of how movement supports emotional and mental health, which became a cornerstone of my seated dance teaching.
I’ve since developed training programs that combine my dance expertise with my knowledge of mental health, and I’m proud to now help other professionals unlock the same potential in their own work.

Ready to Start Your Seated Dance Journey?

Whether you’re a dance teacher looking to expand your skills or a health professional aiming to incorporate movement into your practice, seated dance offers endless possibilities for growth and transformation. By training with me—whether through webinars, 1-2-1 sessions, or my book—you can gain the tools you need to bring the joy of seated dance to others and earn valuable CPD points along the way.
Seated dance is more than just a movement class—it’s a way to improve physical health, foster mental wellbeing, and build communities. Let’s make dance accessible for all, one seat at a time.
Feel free to contact me for more details on how you can start your seated dance training and gain CPD points through my programs!

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