After a successful Pilot Project TAN Dance has recently secured funds for 3 years from the Gordon Cook Foundation to develop the Familes Forward Project in 3 comprehensive schools and their primary cluster groups. The Special Intervention and Nurture Groups in schools have identified the children as capable but needing added attention, where pressures they face are linked directly or indirectly to their background, family situation and outside sources.

The object is to work inclusively and additionally through the schools with parents/guardians taking an active approach through dance workshops. The workshops are based on values systems aimed at strengthening the pupil/parent/school triangle, and delivered with a positive, light touch.  The theme of last year’s Pilot Project was “friendship” and the current workshops follow on from this theme, expanding into areas including communication, thoughtfulness and morality. Each year the series of workshops leads to a performance involvinh all cluster school groups on stage in front of family and friends.  

The children will develop confidence, social and leadership skills, develop friendships, and enjoy participation.  The Families Forward Project strengthens interfamily support and highlights the value of commitment, performance and community participation.

The Gordon Cook Foundation have been a great supporter of TAN Dance’s project work in Education in Neath Port Talbot and Swansea for 8 years.