our work

FREJA FUNK FESTIVAL

Being invited to Jönköping, Sweden for the first event of its kind was a major milestone for AwA. As international guests, the company proudly represented the UK’s SEND and neurodiverse communities, sharing their work on a global platform.

The 45-minute production celebrated 10 years of working with dancers with special educational needs and disabilities. Through movement and expression, the piece explored passion, emotion, struggle, and triumph, offering audiences insight into the neurodiverse experience and the successes achieved along the way.

move it convention

Taking place at the EXCEL in London, this is the world’s largest dance event — a high-energy gathering that brings the global dance community together on an extraordinary scale.

AwA have had the incredible honour of performing on this iconic stage three times, joining over 35,000 dancers, teachers, creatives, studios, parents, and top brands for three electrifying days filled with talent, inspiration, connection, and pure dance magic.

breakin' convention

In 2021, AwA had the opportunity to showcase at Breakin’ Convention, an internationally renowned hip-hop theatre festival produced annually by Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London. Founded in 2004, the festival celebrates the diversity, creativity and innovation of hip-hop theatre and dance from across the world. Since its inception, Breakin’ Convention has been under the artistic direction of playwright and dancer Jonzi D, and has become a leading platform for artists and performers within the global hip-hop community.

AUTISM'S GOT TALENT

Founded by Anna Kennedy OBE, Autism’s Got Talent was the platform where AwA began, and we have been honoured to perform at the event six times. The annual celebration shines a light on the extraordinary creativity and talent of autistic people, bringing together performers from across the UK and beyond. From powerful vocals and captivating comedy to moving poetry, breathtaking dance and unique performances, Autism’s Got Talent is an inspiring evening that celebrates individuality, challenges perceptions and provides a platform for autistic performers to share their talents with audiences.

breakout - deja vu

Hosted and run by Deja Vu Entertainment and the renowned Yann Bolenge, AwA had the privilege of performing on this prestigious platform, showcasing our performers to the UK’s hip-hop and street dance industry. Yann is a respected figure within the UK dance and entertainment scene, creating opportunities for dancers through high-profile showcases and events.

Deja Vu Entertainment produces Dancers Delight UK, Set 4 Set and Breakout, all of which have become popular, sold-out events within the dance community. AwA was proud to be part of this network and share the stage with talented performers from across the UK.

udo world dance

COMPETITION

The UDO World Street Dance Championships is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious international street dance and hip-hop competitions, bringing together thousands of dancers from across the globe. In 2019, AwA made history as the first-ever special needs team to qualify and compete at the mainstream World Championships in Blackpool.

Competing in the Beginner category, AwA progressed through to the final, finishing in an incredible 3rd place. Their participation was a significant milestone, demonstrating that inclusive dance belongs on the biggest stages and opening the door for greater representation within the wider street dance community.

udo EUROPEAN dance

COMPETITION

In 2018, AwA made history at the United Dance Organisation European Championships in Germany, becoming the first-ever special needs team to qualify and compete at the mainstream European Championships. Competing in the Beginner category, AwA progressed through to the final and secured an incredible 2nd place, marking a significant achievement for the team and another important milestone in their journey towards greater inclusion within the street dance community.

BEST BUDDIES
INTERNATIONAL

In 2019, AwA were honoured to be invited to the Best Buddies International Conference in Indiana, USA, connecting with an international community dedicated to creating greater inclusion and opportunity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Best Buddies International is a global non-profit organisation that promotes inclusion through one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living and family support. AwA were proud to represent their work on an international platform and share their message of inclusion through the performing arts.

DANCE AWARDS

The prestigious Dance Awards, hosted by Deja Vu Entertainment, saw AwA invited to open the show as the first act of the evening. It was a fantastic opportunity for our performers to take centre stage and set the tone for an exciting celebration of dance and the wider performing arts community. The evening was made even more special when AwA’s Artistic Director was presented with the Rob Anker Appreciation Award, recognising their dedication and contribution to the dance community.