Samy Tchangoum and Elizabeth Oyeniran initially joined Dandelion Collective’s inclusive dance sessions as interns from Brighter Future Specialist College. The classes help adults with learning disabilities to communicate and share their feelings through dance.
Samy, aged 24, and Elizabeth, aged 22, caught dance teacher Kuan-Yu Chen’s eye in the sessions – so much so that she has now hired them both as her dance assistants.
She explained: “Samy and Elizabeth both love dancing and love singing. I could immediately see their potential and wanted them to help me lead classes.”
The pair have been gradually building their experience and both now lead the warm-up activities at the start of sessions.
“I like it because it helps keep my body active,” said Elizabeth. “Me and Samy help people to do stretches and circling movements, and after that we do breathing exercises.”
Elizabeth and Samy have each taught more than 200 children at inclusive dance events in Thamesmead and the surrounding areas.
Samy’s mum, Edithe Feulefack, revealed: “One of the places he went to was his former school, and his old teachers had tears in their eyes. Sometimes when you have a child with autism and learning difficulties, it’s hard to see how they will fit into work life. They were delighted to see him doing so well.
“He loves it because he’s a people person. Dancing and singing are his things, and he likes to feel that he’s part of a team.”
“I feel happy,” added Samy.
Kuan-Yu recently secured a National Lottery Awards for All grant to keep Samy and Elizabeth in their roles for at least six months. Her funding application made it clear that the pair are now an important part of the team.
Find out more about Dandelion Collective’s classes at the Moorings Sociable Club.