New Dancing NetWalks'aim to get Leeds moving and talking
A Leeds dance entrepreneur is encouraging people to join her for joyful experiences in nature - the Dancing NetWalks.
Created by Katie Geddes, founder of The Dance Studio Leeds, the new concept combines walking, music, simple dance movements and social connection to encourage people of all adult ages and abilities to get moving, meet new people and rediscover the joy of dancing.
Unlike a traditional walking group, participants wear wireless headphones and follow a guided route featuring upbeat feel good music, and easy-to-follow dance moves. There is no dance experience required, just a willingness to smile, move and have fun.
Katie, who has spent over 20 years helping adults discover the confidence to dance, says the idea was inspired by her desire to make dance and movement feel accessible to those that don’t necessarily see themselves as dancers, as part of her wider mission to highlight the benefits of dance for your physical and mental health and wellbeing.
“I wanted to combine my favourite things - walking, dancing and nature.
"I always walk with my music on and I would would often feel the urge to break out and dance but I would be held back thinking “What if someone sees me and wonders what on earth I’m doing?”
"But then whilst sitting in a traffic jam en route to France, I had a thought. What if we move as a group? That creates powerful energy when a collective of people share the same moment and feeling. Then you don’t have a care in the world!”
Research continues to highlight the benefits of movement, music and social connection for improving mood, reducing stress and tackling loneliness.
Dancing NetWalks bring all three together in one inclusive experience, designed to be welcoming for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level.
The first pilot event, which took place in Boston Spa on Thursday July 9 along the scenic river walk with proceeds donated to HelloHope (a suicide prevention charity in Leeds), has already received an enthusiastic response, with participants describing the experience as uplifting, energising and unlike anything they had experienced before.
Katie believes Dancing NetWalks have the potential to become a regular feature in communities across Yorkshire, taking place in parks, country estates, visitor attractions and other outdoor spaces.
"This isn't about networking in the traditional sense," she explained. "It’s about creating a network of people connected through movement.
"If we can get people smiling, dancing and sharing an experience while enjoying the benefits of nature and being outdoors, then that's a fantastic outcome."
As The Dance Studio Leeds continues to champion dance beyond the walls of its city centre studios, Katie hopes Dancing NetWalks will become part of a wider movement encouraging people to incorporate small bursts of joyful movement into everyday life.
The studio has long promoted dance as an accessible way to improve confidence, wellbeing and social connection for adults of all ages with weekly classes, workshops, events and online lunchtime boogie ‘snacks’ to encourage daily movement.
Katie said: "I'd love to hear from venues that are passionate about encouraging healthier, happier communities. Dancing NetWalks offer something completely different that gets people outdoors, supports wellbeing and creates memorable experiences for visitors."