Dance Network Association

Dance Network Association Creating connection, confidence, and joy through inclusive dance.

Our Summer Siesta 💛Every year since Covid, we’ve made a conscious decision at DNA to properly switch off.That time taugh...
23/08/2026

Our Summer Siesta 💛

Every year since Covid, we’ve made a conscious decision at DNA to properly switch off.

That time taught us just how important it is to protect our mental health, take a genuine break from work and give ourselves the space to rest and reset — not just physically, but mentally too.

So, once a year, our admin and freelance team takes a couple of weeks of uninterrupted time away from the outside world and from communications with DNA. No checking in. No “just one quick email”. No keeping half an eye on socials. A proper switch-off.

And we think that’s really important.

So, DNA is officially closed for our Summer Siesta! ☀️

Our team is taking a well-earned break to rest, recharge, spend time with the people we love and enjoy a little summer downtime.

We’ll be back, refreshed and ready to go, on 2 September.

Until then, calls, emails and social media messages will not be monitored or responded to.

Thank you for respecting our time away and allowing our team to properly disconnect.

See you in September! 💛

Team DNA x

"How do you measure the impact of dance?"Sometimes, the answer isn't in numbers. It's in the moments of connection, the ...
28/07/2026

"How do you measure the impact of dance?"

Sometimes, the answer isn't in numbers. It's in the moments of connection, the smiles, the shared experiences and the stories people take away with them.

Today, we're delighted to share these reflections from Gemma Harman, who recently joined our Dancing with Dementia programme at Sunspot Jaywick to evaluate the programme's success and the difference it is making to the community.

Here's what she had to say:

"Today I had the pleasure of spending time with the Dance Network Association and their inspiring Dancing with Dementia project.

It was a privilege to observe a class in action and witness the thoughtful, compassionate approach at the heart of this work. The session was a beautiful example of how dance can create spaces of connection, belonging, joy, and expression, supporting not only those participating, but also the wider community of care around them.

What stood out was the genuine attention given to each person, recognising individual experiences, abilities, and ways of engaging. The project demonstrates the powerful role that dance can play in nurturing relationships, supporting wellbeing, and creating meaningful shared experiences.

I am delighted to be taking on the role of Dance Evaluation Lead for Dancing with Dementia and look forward to working alongside the team to explore, understand, and communicate the value of this remarkable programme.

I hope to contribute to making visible the value of this work, celebrating the experiences of participants, practitioners, and everyone involved in creating these welcoming and inclusive spaces."

23/07/2026

Today is the day! 💚✨

Join us on King George V Field in Wivenhoe as we open Doorstep Duets with two very special performances celebrating the power of DNA and how dance brings us together.

Our Dance Club and Dancing with Parkinson’s group will be sharing a beautiful intergenerational performance created by our Dance and Engagement Lead Katelyn Holman and dancers alongside a special piece created by Choreographer Sam Grief with our Connect and Dance dancers.

These performances are a celebration of creativity, connection, community, and the joy of moving together. We are so proud of every dancer who has taken part and can’t wait to share their incredible work with you.

Whether you’re coming to support a loved one, discover something new, or simply enjoy an afternoon of inspiring live performance, we’d love to see you there.

📍 King George V Field at 3:45pm Thursday 23 July 2026
🕒 DNA dancers will perform before the Doorstep Duets performance by

Come along, cheer on our amazing dancers, and celebrate the magic that happens when people of all ages and experiences come together through dance. Performance is completely free to attend and open to all ages 🤍

DanceForEveryone CommunityArts LivePerformance EssexDance

Sneak peek! 👀This week Matthew Bourne's New Adventures has been touring Doorstep Duets across the South East of England...
22/07/2026

Sneak peek! 👀

This week Matthew Bourne's New Adventures has been touring Doorstep Duets across the South East of England, bringing world-class dance into parks, streets and community spaces... and tomorrow it's our turn!

Join us for Matthew Bourne's New Adventures presents Doorstep Duets, featuring The Bench choreographed by Glenn Graham. A moving 20-minute performance exploring memory, connection and the quiet moments that shape us.

Thursday 23 July
10:00
📍 Sunspot, Jaywick Sands

15:45
📍 King George V Playing Field, Wivenhoe

🎟️ Free to attend
⏱️ Around 20 minutes
✨ No booking required, just turn up!

Who will we be seeing there?

Community Voluntary Services Tendring

21/07/2026

Dance shows don’t just make themselves

That’s the choreographer’s job! Meet Glenn Graham, the creator of a 20-
minute dance piece, where three lives intertwine in a moving exploration of
memory and connection.

It's a chance to see how powerful storytelling can be when it comes to
life through movement. You can see The Bench for free as part of the Doorstep Duets programme from Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures.

See it on Thursday 23 July, 10:00 AM Sunspot Jaywick and 15:45PM King George V Playing Field, Wivenhoe.

No need to book, just turn up!






Bourne's New Adventures

World-class dance is coming to your doorstep!We're delighted to be bringing Matthew Bourne's New Adventures presents Doo...
16/07/2026

World-class dance is coming to your doorstep!

We're delighted to be bringing Matthew Bourne's New Adventures presents Doorstep Duets, featuring The Bench choreographed by Glenn Graham to our local communities next week. A beautiful 20-minute outdoor performance exploring memory, connection and the quiet moments that shape us.

🎟️ Free to attend
⏱️ Around 20 minutes
📍 No booking needed... just turn up!

👇 Which one will you be joining us at? Let us know in the comments!
Sunspot Jaywick or Wivenhoe?

Tag a friend who loves discovering something a little different this summer.

Bourne's New Adventures

09/07/2026

A huge thank you to the East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund for supporting our Connect & Dance sessions in Wivenhoe.

Because of your funding, we're able to create a space where people aged 50+ can move, laugh, build friendships and feel part of something special. Every week we're reminded that dance isn't just about movement. It's about connection and community.

We're so grateful you chose to tell our group's story. We hope this video captures just a little of the joy, warmth and belonging that fills the room each week.

Thank you for investing in communities like ours and helping programmes like Connect & Dance continue to thrive. 🌼

08/07/2026

Discover world-class dance on your doorstep

On Thursday 23 July, we’d love to welcome you to a free, 20-minute
performance from dance company Matthew Bourne's New Adventures

Taking place at two locations, this is a chance to experience storytelling through dance, perhaps for the first time.

Part of the company’s Doorstep Duets programme, The Bench, is a story about how lives can overlap in unexpected ways, exploring memory, connection and the quiet moments that shape us.

No need to book, just turn up.

PUBLIC PERFORMANCE INFORMATION:
10:00 - Jaywick, Event Space, CO15 2JG
15:45 - King Goerge V Playing Field, Wivenhoe, CO7 9AB - performances of Doorstep Duets and DNA dancers.

Dance from Matthew Bourne’s legendary New Adventures on your doorstep. Matthew Bourne's New Adventures is a dance compa...
02/07/2026

Dance from Matthew Bourne’s legendary New Adventures on your doorstep.

Matthew Bourne's New Adventures is a dance company known for telling familiar stories through dance in theatres all over the world.

On Thursday 23 July, they will be hosted by Dance Network Association, sharing a
piece from their Doorstep Duets programme.

If you’ve never seen a dance show before, this could be the perfect opportunity. The
performance is free, just 20 minutes long, and you don’t need to book; just turn up.

PUBLIC PERFORMANCE LOCATIONS:
10:00 - Jaywick, Event Space, CO15 2JG
15:45 - King Goerge V Playing Field, Wivenhoe, CO7 9AB






Address

Sunspot, Brooklands, Jaywick Sands
Clacton-on-Sea
CO152JG

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+447490374717

Website

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