The Care Collection meets Chloe Knapton, founder of Huddersfield based Rising Stars Dance & Theatre Club, to hear about the
amazing work she does to support children with disabilities and learning difficulties

What is Rising Stars?

Chloe: Rising Stars runs theatre and dance classes for children and young adults in Huddersfield who have additional needs. With no pressure from the staff, people are encouraged to perform from the heart in order to achieve their full potential. The classes are designed to accelerate a person’s development through:

• Mood
• Happiness
• Creativity
• Self-Expression
• Health
• Confidence
• Fun!

What exactly do you do at Rising Stars?

Chloe: I run dance classes particularly in the genre of musical theatre as I feel it’s very expressive!

The areas of dance I particularly focus on are (i) Musical theatre, singing and dancing to popular musicals; (ii) Funky Dance, dancing to current (and everyone’s favourite) chart music; and (iii) Zumba inspired routines which I created specifically for young adults with additional needs.

What inspired you to help individuals with learning difficulties?

Chloe: I was inspired to create Rising Stars when I started doing home care for individuals with additional needs. I was a dance teacher anyway and thought, why don’t I combine my two passions!? My cousin has Down’s syndrome as well so I thought it would definitely be something to benefit her.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

Chloe: There are many satisfying aspects of my job. I love seeing students’ confidence grow, seeing their dance skills improve, hearing their love for my classes, the fact they all see me as a friend as well as the lovely comments/texts I get from their parents. I also love that not only do my students learn from me, I learn from them. Whether it be different ways of communicating, learning how to think outside the box or the infectious happy personalities, everything I do is very rewarding.

What tips and advice can you give to someone who is thinking of getting active and joining your dance group?

Chloe: My advice would be to go for it! Rising Stars caters for everybody and so no matter what disability or learning difficulty someone may have, Rising Stars will cater to their specific requirements.

The Care Collection support Clients in Kirklees and Calderdale with learning difficulties and disabilities. What advice can you give when it comes to helping these Clients stay active and keep fit?

Chloe: When it comes to staying fit and being active, even the smallest bit of exercise can help you feel healthy and mobilised. It’s even better if you enjoy the exercise you’re doing! Keeping someone interested, excited, taking part, having fun, making new friends or trying something new can be the key to a successful active lifestyle.  It’s very important to be innovate and open-minded.

Facebook – Rising Stars
Instagram – Rising Stars
Website – www.risingstarsdance.co.uk