Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

The Weeknd

Blinding Lights

Listen Live

Harrogate woman launches dance class for children with special needs

Thursday, 25 April 2024 16:20

Three-year-old Aurora Dodds.

A Harrogate woman is set to launch a new dance class for children with special educational needs.

The SEND Dance Academy is starting this Saturday (27th April), created by Harrogate mum Zara Dodds.

Zara decided to create the dance school after her youngest daughter, Aurora, was diagnosed with Smith-Magenis syndrome - a developmental disorder that affects behaviour, emotions and learning processes.

Zara, who is a former professional dancer herself, told Your Harrogate:

“What I noticed is that when I had Aurora, I would take her to dance classes for children and I felt a little bit out of place.

“I wanted to create a class that children and also parents feel really comfortable, safe and happy coming to.

“The SEND dance school is at a slower pace. We use props, it’s fun and it’s all about being yourself and having a fun time through dance.”

The SEND Dance Academy will be held weekly at The Avenue in Harrogate, aimed at SEND children aged 6-16.

There are limited places, so anyone interested is encouraged to contact thesendacademy@gmail.com to book their place.

Zara added:

“I want it to be accessible for everyone. I’ve had a few people ask if they can bring wheelchairs and the answer is absolutely!

"I want everyone to be included and feel like they can join in.”

Zara's three-year-old daughter Aurora is pre-verbal and can sometimes self-harm as a result of her condition.

She had been ill quite frequently and admitted to hospital in need of oxygen prior to her diagnosis.

Zara said:

“I’ve been really lucky that I’ve been put in touch with a support group that is mums of children with Smith-Magenis Syndrome.

“It’s been so hopeful for me because of the rarity. You can get advice, sometimes you can just have a bit of a moan about difficult it can be, but there's always good days as well."

Zara's husband Tim is also running the Great Knaresborough Bed Race in aid of the Smith-Magenis Foundation. Find the Crowdfunding page here.

To hear Zara's story in full, head over to the Your Harrogate Podcast as she joins Pete Egerton in the studio.

More from Local News

Information wanted after stolen vehicle crashes near Blubberhouses

North Yorkshire Police say a silver 4x4 was taken from the driveway of a property near Hardsity Hill at around 7.55pm on Tuesday, 3rd March.
Your Local Experiences earns thousands for local businesses in first month

A new local voucher platform launched by Your Media Group has generated tens of thousands of pounds for partner businesses in its first month.
Starbeck café to host community clothes swap event

A Starbeck café is inviting the community to refresh their wardrobes at an upcoming clothes swap event.
'Married at First Sight' contestant unveiled as new Rudding Park celebrant

A contestant from E4's Married at First Sight UK has been unveiled as a new celebrant at one of North Yorkshire's most popular wedding venues.
Leading electric vehicle show returns to Harrogate for third year

One of the world's leading electric vehicle and clean energy events is returning to Harrogate this spring.
Ripon teenager crowned Yorkshire fencing champion

A talented young fencer is to compete on the national stage after being crowned Yorkshire champion.
Pilot scheme improves stroke treatment in Harrogate

A pilot scheme designed to improve access to specialist stroke treatment for Harrogate residents has delivered significant improvements, councillors will be told next week.
Community group blames planning system for loss of Ripon village pub

Members of a community group have blamed the planning system for the loss of their village pub.
Harrogate hairdressers named as finalist at Salon Business Awards

Harrogate salon Kingsgrove Hair and Beauty has been named a finalist in three categories at the Salon Business Awards 2026.
Search for wanted man with links to Ripon

42-year-old Anthony Ward is wanted on recall to prison following a breach of licence conditions.
Chart-topping boy band East 17 to perform at Bilton Club

Chart-topping boy band East 17 are set to perform live at Bilton Club in Harrogate this December.
Working mens club in Starbeck celebrates 125th anniversary

A long-standing community venue in Starbeck is marking its 125th anniversary.
Council shares update on Kex Gill realignment scheme ahead of June opening

North Yorkshire Council has shared an update on the £82.5million Kex Gill realignment scheme.
Harrogate Masterchef star joins Headline stage of Great British Food Festival

Harrogate's MasterChef semi-finalist Yemi Adelekan is set to appear on the Headline stage at this year’s Great British Food Festival at Harewood House.
Classic car show and Pride party among new events coming to Knaresborough

Classic cars and a Pride party are among a raft of new free events heading to Knaresborough this year.
Conservative Club to fully fund Starbeck Christmas lights

Starbeck Conservative Club has announced it will cover the full cost of this year's Starbeck Christmas lights.
Yorkshire's first two-wheelchair buses transform travel for Harrogate students

Students at a Harrogate specialist college say new two-wheelchair buses are making it easier to travel together and access the community.
Harrogate MP visits Ukraine as part of major cross-party parliamentary delegation

Local MP Tom Gordon has returned from Ukraine after joining the largest cross-party delegation of UK Members of Parliament to visit the country since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
New girls' football initiative launched in Harrogate

A new girls' football initiative is set to kick off in Harrogate, offering fresh opportunities for young players across the district.
85 cyclists set off from Ripon to fundraise for suicide prevention charity

A field of 85 cyclists, including adults and juniors, were in Ripon on Sunday (1st March) to take part in Yorkshire's eighth Reliability Ride of 2026.