Talk about an inspiring bunch of people! The team at Reflections Academy of Dance (RAD) were lucky recipients of a $20,000 Carlisle Homes Community Grant in 2015 and they have shared with us an update on the progress of their project.
RAD run special needs dance classes for all ages, in addition to various other class options at their studio in Cranbourne. Focusing on their special needs students they researched each child's disability, in discussions with parents and carers, to identify equipment which works towards improving individual needs.
‘We endeavour to be able to help these young people to enjoy the love of dance and music, while teaching them new skills to help with their fine motor skills, flexibility and cognitive awareness’
Plans for their Community Grant have started to fall into place with new equipment purchased such as a tumbling wedge, new instruments and props for dance movement and new costumes for their adult class, which enabled them to host a midyear showcase.
In addition, they have been able to install new sound insulation for their roof, which is important for their autistic students.
‘We have seen such an improvement in our kids from last year and we work with the parents to overcome issues from outside of the studio through the enjoyment of dance.’
Next in their plans is a refurbishment of their flooring to really complete the experience, and we look forward to their next update.
Seeing our Community Grants in action is such a rewarding experience. We enjoy tracking the progress of the community groups and sporting organisations who are benefiting from our grants program. It’s these grass roots groups that make a real difference to the community feel and infrastructure in the areas in which we build, especially in the new suburbs our growth corridors.
The current cycle of Community Grants is open until June 30, check out the website for more information, https://www.carlislehomes.com.au/community-grants/.
