Instructor Support

Para Dance UK hold their instructors in high regard, that’s why we support them as much as we can! As an instructor, you have a dedicated Liaison at Head Office. There is also a National Representative who represents the instructors, members and athletes to the Board. 

Claire Tracy – Instructor Support Officer & South East Regional Lead

I started dancing aged 2 doing ballet and tap, and changed to Ballroom and Latin when I was 5. After teaching within the dance school and at local after school clubs, I became qualified aged 18 with the IDTA with an Associate Freestyle Disco and then went on to obtain my Ballroom and Latin Associates. 

I also achieved a BA HONS in Professional Dance Development at Bucks New Uni in conjunction with the IDTA, where the modules were based around having a dance school business; including law, leadership, management, finance and choreography. While on the degree course I also studied with Allyson Cawood and achieved my Dance Exercise Diploma. 

In addition to my passion for dance, I am also a qualified Youth Worker and have loved working with SEND children and young people and have also worked with older people doing inter generational work and as a Personal Assistant as I love organising! 

After a friend brought to my attention that there wasn’t any inclusive dance for her daughter to attend, in August 2016 I attended the Level 2 Wheelchair Instructor course and became affiliated with Para Dance UK. This brought my passions of dance and inclusivity together and the rewarding feeling from teaching inclusive dance and Para Dance Sport is the best thing in the world! I have done two other Para Dance courses too and love to continuously learn and spread the joy of dancing.

National Representative

The National Representative position is voted in every four years. Currently, as voted in on the 10th November 2017 it is Gary Lyness. The National Representative stands as a Non-Executive Committee Member with the interests of Members and Instructors of Para Dance UK. If you need advice or help from Gary, contact him.