Introducing Simply SOSA Dance Fitness!!
Simply SOSA Dance Fitness has been created especially for those who are able to stand for a dance class, but require the additional support of a crutch, frame or a chair for balance… to act as their ‘dance partner’!
This exciting and innovative new programme has been in development since June 2020, during COVID lockdown, specifically created to provide the ‘middle ground’ between our SOSA and Seated SOSA Dance Fitness programmes, and with a primary aim to make dance accessible to those suffering the long-term effects of Long-COVID.
We have been trialling this programme with several large organisations, and within our current instructor base nationwide, in various community/care settings, as far as COVID restrictions allowed.
THIS MAKES SOSA A FULLY INCLUSIVE DANCE PROGRAMME ON EVERY LEVEL!!
From those who are fully able bodied with our main SOSA Dance Fitness programme, those who require seated exercise with our Seated SOSA Dance Fitness programme… and now, those who require supported exercise, with our brand new Simply SOSA programme!
Simply SOSA Dance Fitness uses the same ethos as SOSA, and Seated SOSA Dance Fitness, as an authentic international dance class incorporating 37 dance styles from around the globe.
Simply SOSA has been created for all ages and abilities, specifically adapted for those with balance issues.
There are many reasons why people may require extra support or a balance aid during exercise, especially older adults, those with long-term health conditions and disabilities.
However, this also includes anyone recovering from injuries, recent surgery, and as part of a physiotherapy, rehabilitation programme and requiring a re-introduction to exercise.
Background & Endorsements
We understand that it is extremely important and beneficial for those who are able to stand to take part in a dance class, to be able to continue doing so.
Our Simply SOSA programme, is the next level of progression and development from our Seated SOSA Dance Fitness programme, but with a different target demographic in mind.
There are currently over 120 Seated SOSA instructors in the UK, and Europe, who are already trained to deliver the programme, running established regular weekly classes.
Our company vision, is that every Seated SOSA Instructor will now also be able to offer Simply SOSA Dance Fitness classes in their local community, in order to broaden the range of participants that can attend their classes… making the programme accessible to as many people as possible.
Inclusivity is at the forefront of everything we do at SOSA, and we are so proud and delighted to have been awarded funding from Sport England Tackling Inequalities Fund to progress and develop our Simply SOSA Dance Fitness programme in leaps and bounds over the coming months.
We have already joined forces with ActivLives, a charity who run incredible activity day care centres for older/vulnerable adults, to trial and develop Simply SOSA, as part of an incredible ‘falls prevention’ programme in their local communities.
We are also currently working alongside Middlesbrough Council, in conjunction with NHS North East England, as part of a long-term project to reach those suffering from the effects of Long-COVID, with Simply SOSA and Seated SOSA, as a re-introduction to exercise and activity.
National Lottery Good Causes Community Funding – ‘Stay Calm & Stand Strong’
We are absolutely delighted to announce that SOSA & Starlets Community Interest Company has recently been awarded £10k funding by National Lottery Good Causes Community Fund.
SOSA & Starlets CIC offers a fully inclusive, affordable and accessible ‘Specialised Dance Programme for Falls Prevention and improved Functional Fitness’.
Using our unique and innovative approach, this project/programme has been designed with special considerations, using evidence-based research to develop movements and exercises that have been proven to improve strength and balance, reducing the risk of falls, improving functional fitness and promoting higher levels of independence.
SOSA brings the ‘FUN’ factor to supported ‘FUNCTIONAL’ exercise, with balance, strength, co-ordination, mobility and cognitive training incorporated into each one-hour session. This is achieved through the power of dance and movement, with a qualified instructor leading the session, using authentic steps and movements from 37 international dance styles, and music genres spanning the past century.
Our priority groups for this project are older adults, disabled Participants, GP/Health Referral clients and vulnerable adults with long-term health conditions and co-morbidities.
These sessions will tackle social isolation following the pandemic, providing opportunities for social interaction with the chance for our participants to meet other members of their local community, whilst connecting over coffee/tea available after each session.
Further classes and support networks will also be available via our on-line portal.
Having recently completed a successful trial/case study of the Falls Prevention programme, this funding allows us to continue developing the programme further to provide more provision for access and scope to grow a robust referral scheme, including other health professionals and community engagement schemes.
We aim to connect with GP Surgeries, physiotherapists and other community services, with the goal of becoming a part of the NHS social prescribing and injury rehabilitation programmes.
These professional partnerships will further develop the project, leading to a wider audience, more referrals and help secure the future sustainability and longevity of the project.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM BELOW TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST IN TRAINING TO DELIVER THIS PROJECT IN YOUR LOCAL AREA.