By Rosie Watson
FLAMINGO Chicks, the inclusive dance school championing disabled children, made magic happen — taking 44 young dancers and their families to Disneyland Paris for the performance of a lifetime.
The group lit up the iconic Videopolis stage with a joyful, high-energy performance before leading the Disney parade, dancing proudly down Main Street all the way to the castle. Confidence soared and dreams became reality.
“The joy and transformation we witnessed was immeasurable,” said Katie Sparkes, founder of Flamingo Chicks. “Our dancers felt truly celebrated.”
Zee, one of the performers, said: “Dancing made me feel free, like a bird.”
Kian added: “We danced with passion and power.”
Noah summed it up as: “Supertastic — the greatest experience of my life!”
Now back in the UK, Flamingo Chicks continues to sprinkle Disney sparkle across its inclusive dance sessions nationwide, and the joy doesn’t stop there.
The annual 24-hour dance festival also made a fabulous recent return to the Trinity Henleaze United Reformed Church in Henleaze. This free event brought together nearly 300 people aged 1 to 100 to try out 24 different dance styles in a celebration of movement, inclusion and community.
Different dance events included mum and toddler ballet hour, under 5s nature theme mini-movers, inter-generational tea dances, uniting old and young, sessions with many local special needs schools, Agents of Change Youth club hour, contemporary dance, tap, commercial dance, and so much more.
Packed with costumes, colour and confetti, it was a true carnival of connection. Huge thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund, local sponsors and all who supported via Crowdfunder.
Inspired? Help keep the magic going by donating here: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/may1002025 and for more about Flamingo Chicks, visit www.flamingochicks.org