Happy faces greeted HRH The Countess of Wessex when she visited a “We Can Dance” class at The Forest School in Knaresborough.
The Charity “We Can Dance” funds dance lessons in 16 Special Needs Schools throughout the North of England. The Countess enjoyed watching a class of primary children led by one of the Charity’s 10 professional teachers. The smiles of the dancers and the audience “said it all”.
After a wonderful dance class followed by a performance and proud bows, The Countess of Wessex was presented with a posy by Ashley (one of the dancers). His character captured the moment and all the children shared the joy.
Smiling faces then gathered around to meet with the The Countess of Wessex. The Countess then met members of the Charity, all of whom are volunteers and work tirelessly to raise funds to support the continuation of the lessons within the schools they currently support.
The benefits of these lessons have been reported by staff, these include increased coordination, self-confidence and enjoyment as seen today.
All the school children were included in the Royal visit. The school was decorated with red, white and blue bunting for the occasion and instead of school lunches they enjoyed a Royal Picnic.
Mrs Farr the Head Teacher escorted the Royal Party to view the classrooms giving the Countess the opportunity to meet with all of the 130 students and the newly opened classrooms.
“We Can Dance” are grateful to the Forest School for their kind hospitality and they thanked the Royal Party for generously making time to visit their Charity.
Photos by Marc Thorneycroft