On Saturday 26th September, This Is Us Community Interest Company held their 10 year
anniversary Gala – The Next Chapter, at The Assembly Hall Theatre. Here are a few words
from Directors of This Is Us, Jan and Hannah:
This Is Us offer regular, accessible, creative movement classes and opportunities, in and
around the West Kent area, for children and adults with additional needs. It is our safe,
creative outlet that enables individuals to be seen, heard and belong. We explore the joy
and creativity behind movement to build upon the fundamental cognitive, social and
physical skills.
We have dancers who joined us at 8 years old, that are now 18. So much support stops at
this age for our families, yet we are determined to continue and be a strong supportive
constant in their lives, evolving alongside them, as they continue their path.
For us, the Gala evening was about so much more than marking our 10 year milestone. It
was an opportunity to bring together the people, families, performers, supporters and
organisations who have helped shape our journey, and to celebrate the power of the arts
and inclusion, whilst sharing our story and plans for the next chapter.
One of the real highlights of the evening was welcoming Anna Kennedy OBE. It was such
a pleasure to meet Anna, spend time together and hear more about her incredible story
and the work she continues to do in championing neurodiversity.
As Directors of This Is Us Dance CIC, we were struck by how many common goals and
values we shared with Anna. Our conversation felt hugely empowering and left us both
feeling excited about the possibilities of working together and supporting one another in
the future.
It was particularly special to hear Anna’s reflections on the evening afterwards.
“Congratulations on such a lovely evening… it was such a welcoming environment and wonderful entertainment. This really was a celebration of children, young people and their families, all brought together through the power of dance, the performing arts and disability.
‘This Is Us’ continues to create opportunities and support children, young people and their families as they move into their next chapter.
Thank you Jan and Hannah for inviting me to celebrate 10 years with you all and for giving me the opportunity to share my love for dance and the performing arts in my speech.
I spoke about something I feel very strongly about how important dance and the performing arts can be for our children and young people. It’s not just about performing on a stage. It can build confidence, friendships, communication, wellbeing and give people that all important opportunity to be themselves.
Jan, Peter and Hannah make a great team, and you can see how much heart goes into what they do.
I hope to see you all again soon for your ‘Next big Step’…Congratulations on 10 years, and here’s to the next chapter!”
Hearing those words has felt truly heart-warming for us and it was an honour to have her
with us. Ten years is a huge achievement, and now, this is the beginning of our next
chapter.
