Exciting news, our FTM Dance song “Dance Forever” is now out and available to listen to and download from iTunes and Spotify. Here’s our press release with lots more information:

Performers from local performing arts focused respite service release inclusive, uplifting anthem and choreography to get the country dancing and spread some smiles and joy

#FTMDanceforjoy

FTM Dance, an accessible and inclusive performing arts service offering activities, workshops and respite care for children, young people and adults with additional needs, disabilities and medical conditions, is spreading much-neededjoy with its uplifting anthem, “Dance Forever”, to get us all moving as a difficult year draws to a close.

The feel-good anthem, co-written by students and teachers at FTM Dance, and professionally produced, marks the end of a challenging year for the inspirational performers. FTM Dance remained open throughout lockdown, providing essential face-to-face respite care and online support and activities forits 200 performers (100 face to face and 100 virtually), returning classes to the studio as soon as it was safe to do so. The students normally host a relaxed winter pantomime at De Montfort Hall, Leicester’s largest theatre, which has been a centre for culture and arts in the region for almost 110 years, but this year’s restrictions forced the group to explore new avenues to perform.

With theatres and cultural institutions in limbo or facing long-term closure across the UK, FTM Dance is determined to continue the arts’ vital role in providing support to families and members, and life skills and an inclusive creative environment for participants from the surroundingcommunity.

Leanne Evans, founder of FTM Dance, explains: “Sadly we can’t go ahead this year with our usual performance at De Montfort Hall, so the students of FTM Dance have created a different way to showcase their talents and spread some smiles and joy. We want to raise everyone’s spirits as we all tackle the winter ahead, and the performers have truly set their minds and hearts on reaching across the nation with this uplifting song. Whether you’re on your feet, in an armchair or a wheelchair, ‘Dance Forever’ is guaranteed to get you moving!”

The full anthem is available for download from iTunes and Spotify now. 100% of funds raised will go towards providing opportunities for children, young people and adults with additional needs, disabilities and medical conditions to access and engage in high quality performing arts in an accessible and inclusive environment.

 iTunes Link – Dance Forever – Single by FTM Dance

Spotify:

Leanne adds: “It was really important to the group that the song was uplifting and accessible, so that everyone can have fun, get moving and enjoy the song. Dance in the kitchen with your kids, grab your partner and bop round the living room; this song is guaranteed to make you smile. It has certainly lifted our spirits, providing an exciting creative and learning experience, and a positive mental and emotional focus for our students and staff at this time. We’re grateful that we can bring a difficult year to a close on a high note, and hope it helps others to feel the same.”

The dance choreography is specifically designed to be accessible to all abilities and age groups. It is perfect for getting children moving in class, family moving at home, or dancing virtually with friends and in the community.

Stelios, a student from FTM Dance said that the song “makes me think of family at home and family at FTM.”

FTM Dance Manager, Kelly Smith said: “Performing at DeMontfort Hall is such a highlight in our year that we felt we had to do something pretty spectacular in its place. Creating “Dance Forever” with GEM Radio was an amazing experience and it feels good to know that we’re spreading lots of love and positivity far and wide through our music. Nowwe can’t wait to get people dancing and sharing their videos with us.”

FTM Dance invites everyone to download the anthem, dance on your own, with your loved ones or virtually with friends – or try the FTM Dance moves – and share on social media using #FTMDanceforjoy.