SRP Opening with Atypical with Attitude - 27 Jun 2023

Atypical with Attitude (AwA) support the opening of specialist resource provision for autistic children at Garlinge primary School and Nursery.

On Monday 24th April, Garlinge Primary School and Nursery held a special event to celebrate the opening of their Specialist Resource Provision for Autistic children. As part of this event they welcomed the dance crew Atypical with Attitude (AwA), a specialist dance crew with additional needs, who performed some amazing street dance to a years 3 and 4 enthralled audience. They also led a dance workshop to the Team Garlinge Dance Crew, who enjoyed learning some of AwA’s signature moves.

AWA are ambassadors of the SEND community. Through the power of dance, they aim to break down barriers to inclusivity and integration. Performing at Garlinge meant that the children could see and believe that those who live with disabilities and challenges are more than capable of achieving the same as their mainstream counterparts. Garlinge school values, perseverance, aspiration, respect and teamwork are reflective of how AwA have been able to achieve great things. AwA were the first special needs dance team to ever qualify and compete at the UDO European Championships representing the UK, ranking 2nd overall as the first ever SEN team to do so. In 2019 they competed in the UDO World Dance Championships, ranking 3rd. You may also have seen them on the BBC’s The Greatest Dancer.

AWA’s performance was fantastic providing the children at Garlinge an energy filled afternoon of commercial street dance and break dance. The feedback from the children was fantastic;

Rohan (year 6) said, “AwA were fantastic, they inspired me to never give up dancing”, and Gracie-Leigh (Year 6) stated, “It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had ad a good opportunity to learn new and different styles of dancing.”

AwA shared how important education has been to them and how their own teachers having high expectations in their abilities has been essential in helping them achieve their dreams in dance. It was a truly inspirational day for all involved.