A St Neots-based dance teacher has launched what is thought to be the first wheelchair classes in the area.

Katy North, who lives in Ferrars Avenue in Eynesbury and runs the Katy North Academy of Dance and Cheer, was inspired to open up wheelchair dance sessions when she struggled to find somewhere for her daughter to attend classes.

“I gave birth at 28 weeks to twins and three weeks after they were born my little girl was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy,” explained Katy.

“Hattie is now two-and-a-half and loves music and dancing in my arms. After searching for dance classes she could attend when she is older I realised that there were none in this area for wheelchair users. This made me think of all the other children and adults in this area who cannot access dance.”

Katy, who was highly commended in the Business of the Year category at last week’s St Neots Community and Business Awards, enrolled on an instructors course with the Wheelchair Dance, Sport Association over the summer and launched the class last month.

“Dance is such a big part of my life and my absolute passion and I think everyone should be able to experience dance if they want to. Dance is so good for emotional wellbeing and allows people to express themselves and those with disabilities should be allow to enjoy the same experience.”

More information about the classes, which are run in term time at St Mary’s Primary School in Wintringham Road, are available on Katy’s website at: katynorthdanceacademy.com.