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2025-08-31-accounts

Trustees’ annual report for the period

Period start date 01 09 2 0 2 4 Period end date 31 08 2 0 2 5

Charity name Dance Creative Charity No 1 1 9 6 3 0 9 (if any)

Objectives and Activities

SORP
reference
Summary of the
purposes of the
charity as set out
in its governing
document		 Para1.17















 To advance the arts for the public beneft by the promotion in
particular, but not exclusively, of the art of dance.
Ourvisionis to:
Change lives through dance, for people living across Oxfordshire and
beyond.
Ourmissionis to:
Deliver dance projects, classes and productions that:
●are creative, innovative, and best practice
●enhance people’s health and well-being
●care for people’s physical and emotional needs
●connect people and communities
●raise awareness of issues
In order to achieve our vision and mission, weaimto:
●Create opportunities for everyone to experience the benefts of
dance
●Specialise in working with older people, developing and sharing our
expertise with others
●Ofer opportunities for everyone to improve health and well-being
through dance, including others with health needs such as
dementia, parkinson’s disease, long-term health conditions, and
mental health issues

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Charity Accounts templates – Trustees’ annual report for the period

●Be a voice for individuals and communities who may feel less
visible to society, raising awareness of issues which need bringing
to the forefront of people’s recognition and understanding, and
championing and celebrating the people who are afected by them
●Ofer a creative and empowering approach to dance which draws
on people’s individual stories, building and nurturing relationships
and social confdence, reducing social isolation and loneliness,
supporting family connections, and creating opportunities for
people of all ages to dance together
●Bring dance to people who may ordinarily be prevented from
participating because of fnancial, social, age or physical and
emotional barriers, including those living in care homes and
supported living
●Place the people we work with at the heart of everything we do,
listening to their expertise, advice and experience, and working in
close collaboration with other organisations and individuals so that
our work is fully embedded in local communities and agendas
Summary of
the main
activities in
relation to
those
purposes for
the public
benefit, in
particular,
the activities,
projects or
services
identified in
the
accounts.		 Para 1.17
and
1.19		 In line with our funding agreement with the Community Fund for the
third year of our Dance for Life Oxfordshire project, our aims for
2024-25 were to:
1) Develop our organization, including increasing our fundraising and
operational capacity.
2) Increase participation in dance across Oxfordshire, especially
amongst older adults aged 65+, including those from at risk or
vulnerable groups.
We delivered these aims through the following activities:
1) Organisational Development

Ran 3 Team Training/planning days beginning in September 2024,
enabling DC Artists, Assistant Artists and volunteers us to share
skills, ideas and practice, refect on the past term, and plan for the
future.

Worked with Oxfordshire Charity Mentors to recruit a new Chair for
the Board and begin recruitment for new Board members in order to
address skills/experience gaps, eg fnance and fundraising.

Developed new partnerships to embed Dance for Life groups in
local networks and infrastructure and explore potential for new
streams of funding, eg Community Insight and Impact Funds.

Successful funding bid to Sport England to support the delivery of
the Dance for Life project during 24-25.
2) Increase participation
We developed the Dance for Life project across the county, delivering:

218 weekly creative dance sessions followed by social time at 4
county-wide locations and online (Abingdon, Bicester, Wood Farm
in Oxford, Witney).

21 outreach sessions in diverse locations across the county
includingcare homes,communitycentres,Abingdon Health Fest

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and 2 Creative Ageing Days run by Age UK, and regular
sessions/longer projects at Waterside Court Care Home,
Wallingford and Clean Slate charity, Bicester.

Additional social activities for all 5 groups including: afternoon teas
in Witney, Abingdon and Bicester for all participants including
online participants over the summer break; annual Christmas lunch
for Wood Farm group (Silver Shakers); theatre trip in February 25 to
see Chicago at New Theatre, Oxford attended by approximately 40
people from all 5 groups.

Summer workshops and performances in partnership with Museum
of Oxford in August 2025.		 and 2 Creative Ageing Days run by Age UK, and regular
sessions/longer projects at Waterside Court Care Home,
Wallingford and Clean Slate charity, Bicester.

Additional social activities for all 5 groups including: afternoon teas
in Witney, Abingdon and Bicester for all participants including
online participants over the summer break; annual Christmas lunch
for Wood Farm group (Silver Shakers); theatre trip in February 25 to
see Chicago at New Theatre, Oxford attended by approximately 40
people from all 5 groups.

Summer workshops and performances in partnership with Museum
of Oxford in August 2025.
Statement
confirming
whether the
trustees have
had regard to
the guidance
issued by the
Charity
Commission on
public benefit		 Para1.18 The charity provide access to the public which they can benefit from the
services provided.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

SORP
reference
Policy on grant
making		 Para1.38
Policy on social
investment
includingprogram
related
investment		 Para1.38
Contribution
made by
volunteers		 Para1.38 Our Dance for Life sessions have been supported by 2 volunteers
throughout the year, both of whom have been supporting Dance
Creative participants for a number of years. Both volunteers were
interviewed as part of the Community Fund fnal evaluation report,
saying,
“And it's just something that I love to do in terms of I feel really satisfed
in what I can contribute. I just enjoy the role. I enjoy the sessions. I love
being with people. And it's just a very nice part of my week.”
“It’s a sacrosanct day”
They described their roles as comprising:

Volunteer role prepares room and refreshments and being an extra
pair of observing eyes

Can support if someone showing less ability /energy than usual

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Can show alternative simpler version of movement e.g. chair-
based /or holding onto to chair

Can also have quiet word with session leader
They described many diferent positive aspects of the role, including:

Enjoying how it encouraged participants to creatively move freely,
to enjoy using their bodies.

Also appreciated not only individual movement but interactive
movement with others.

Sees the value tea/cofee at the end of sessions as it ofers the
opportunity for those attending to chat and support one another by
sharing worries and experiences.

Sees it as a ‘holistic package’.

Observing changes in participants eg seeing increased confdence
both from the encouragement to adapt and also from watching and
copying others in the group who might do a little extra; people
saying they recover better after surgery or ailments.

Helps with keeping in touch with those who become too ill to attend
so they don’t feel forgotten.

Values when two professionals present as it enables focus on
safety of movement and creativity.

As there are the gaps in summer there has been the opportunities to
get together e.g. for a well-attended cofee session and a theatre
visit. This helped break up the long summer break.

Going to the theatre each year has become an annual fxture
despite the extra planning and organising needed.

Notices that more reserved people may have more dificulty
entering interactive or creative movements when they have to do it
e.g. in pairs or enter into a more imaginative mode and act a bit -
takes then out of their comfort zone. Its importance is in extending
oneself mentally.

Good to have meetings

Good to have had some training e.g. frst aid/safeguarding
The volunteers both noted that they would like the Dance creative
leaders to be freed up more from administrative tasks that take time
away from the creative aspects including a focus on choreography.
They see how hard they work:
“And they do it with such grace and humanity and, you know, goodwill.
And good humour too.”
Other

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Achievements and Performance

SORP
reference
Summary of the
main
achievementsof
the charity,
identifying the
difference the
charity’s work
has made to the
circumstances
of its
beneficiaries and
any wider benefits
to society as a
whole.		 Para1.20 We worked with an external evaluator who conducted twenty-fve open-
ended interviews in the last quarter of 2025 with participants of all fve
groups: Abingdon, Bicester, Oxford (Wood Farm) and Witney and
online. These showed that the Dance for Life project has helped
participants to:
a) Stay well and independent
86% of our regular participants are aged 65+ and 61% live with a
disability or long-term health condition. Participants report t
he
following health conditions:

recovery from knee and hip replacements and other surgeries,

arthritis

Parkinson’s disease

heart conditions

polymyalgia

emphysema

cancer treatment

undisclosed conditions causing variable breathlessness or
reduced mobility
Those interviewed shared examples of the ongoing health benefts they
consider result from attending D4L sessions. These include:

increased fexibility

greater limb strength

improved mobility

decreased blood pressure

measured reduced visceral fat/increased muscle tissue

feeling better after a class

keeping well
The strong social aspect of the project (social time following each
class, and additional social activities) encouraged consistent
participation, resulting in regular D4L participants reporting being ftter,
more able or more confdent to do physical activity.
There was also transference to other aspects in their daily lives, such
as:

greater ease walking/climbing stairs/dressing

greater confdence performing these everyday tasks

betterquality of life

better range of their daily activities that they can perform
In addition to the physical benefts, interviewees referred to the social
and fun sides of the sessions that had a positive efect on mood.
Participants with existing conditions or those who had been injured and
prescribed exercises by physiotherapists or other medical practitioners
expressed theirpreference for the creative exercisesprovided in DC

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sessions. The format of sessions with movement to music made the movements more enjoyable and meaningful. b) Reduce risks of ill health, injury, or falls Our older adult participants are in the highest risk groups of people for poor physical health, including being carers and living in frailty. One of the highest risks to this population group is falling. Falling can have a devastating impact on individuals, causing ‘distress, pain, injury, fear, loss of confidence and self-esteem, depression, loss of income, loss of independence and increased care needs, hospital admissions, and mortality’. The D4L classes are underpinned by Postural Stability Instruction (PSI), an evidence-based community exercise programme which, according to Age UK Oxfordshire (AUKO), is expected to prevent falls in 26% of participants, resulting in a positive impact on people’s health outcomes and a reduction in both pressure and costs on the health and social care system. In D4L sessions, participants are taught PSI exercises delivered through creative dance routines, to build or maintain balance, strength, mobility, and safe gait, as well as techniques (such as Backwards Chaining) that enable people to get up safely from the floor. Many participants have reported using this technique automatically in the event of a fall and using the exercises to recover their balance in a ‘near miss’. The delivery of these exercises and techniques through creative dance also enables participants to practise within a relaxed, fun and sociable environment, which also helps to reduce fear. c) Build social connections and develop a sense of belonging The D4L project brings people together, reducing social isolation and loneliness which in themselves are risk factors for additional mental and physical health problems. This is especially crucial in areas such as Wood Farm where 31% of residents live alone and West Bicester where older adults reported a strong feeling of hidden isolation in the recent Community Insight report. The D4L project is structured around creative teamwork and social time, building a sense of group identity, belonging, community, and peer support. This improves self-esteem, elevates mood and increases motivation. Dance is linked to helping participants develop resilience and trust, two factors identified by health professionals as key to dealing with stress more effectively (vital for older adults as they manage the many impacts of ageing). Additionally, it is shown that older participants are more likely to maintain participation because dance is fun, sociable, and non-competitive, compared with purely physical exercise programmes. Heightened motivation and increased confidence also increase the likelihood of engaging in other activities beyond the project. In recent D4L participant interviews, people identified a number of factors that caused anxiety or hesitancy about participating solo in activities that require some social interaction, including:  Lack of confidence or anxiety in relation to engaging with people

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We worked in partnership with a number of on-the-ground organisations, including Age UK Oxfordshire’s (AUKO) Social Prescribing and Community Links teams, and Adult Social Services, to provide additional support for people experiencing anxiety or other barriers to participating in the programme, such as accompanying people to class for the first time. All of the D4L classes are supported by a team of Artists, Assistant Artists and volunteers, who all help to welcome, support and facilitate access to people with a wide range of needs, from mobility issues to social anxiety and depression. The difference this support makes can be life-changing; if the initial barrier of getting through the door, or into the Zoom session can be overcome, many participants don’t look back. Around half of our current D4L participants live alone, with this figure rising to two thirds in some D4L groups. Some participants are without families or living far from family members, some are widowed or divorced and needing to come to terms with living alone after many years of marriage. A number of participants are sole carers of partners with health problems which cause reduced communication. 22% of recent D4L participants said they meet others once a week or less, making their D4L group the only time they socialise with others during the week.

Recent interviews with D4L participants from all 5 groups describe the impact of living alone or being the sole carer for a partner and reveal common experiences of loneliness and isolation.

Each of our county-wide D4L groups has built its own identity and sense of community and participants have regularly commented on having a feeling of belonging, both to a local group which acts as a social support network, and to a wider community of older adults and others across the county through attending regular creative and social activities together.

The groups provide strong social support – the social time following the class enables people to share experiences, challenges, and feelings with others who can empathize, support, and advise, and the sessions are also used to provide specific and additional support in areas of need. Because of the experience of our support team, including a former AUKO Community Links Worker, we were also able to signpost participants to help, advice and resources e.g. where to find support for adult victim survivors of domestic abuse/how to access community transport in order to visit a spouse in residence in a care home. This social support is especially valuable when participants face particular life challenges such as bereavement and illness.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

SORP reference

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Achievements
against objectives
set		 Para1.41 Measuring against our objectives and impact indicators for 2024-5, as
outlined in our 3-year funding agreement with the Community Fund, our
key achievements were:
1. Increased participation in dance for older adults (aged 65+) across
Oxfordshire
-
155 regular participants – nearly double the number (78) at the
beginning of the 3-year Community Fund grant period in 2022-23
-
294 total participants including outreach and taster sessions – 56%
more than our target of 165 by the end of the project
-
Annual average percentage increase of regular participation for
Dance for Life groups of 33% across the 3-year project
2. Increased the total number of older adults from vulnerable and at-
risk groups engaging in dance in Oxfordshire:
-
86% of regular participants are aged 65+, with a 15% increase in
numbers of regular participants aged 65+ over 3 years
-
61% live with a disability or long-term health condition
-
28% live in areas of social deprivation
-
Average annual percentage increase of numbers participating from
high-risk groups (long-term health conditions, disability and social
deprivation) exceeded the 5 % annual target, averaging 17% per
year over the 3-year grant period.
3. Worked in close partnership with a range of cross-county
organizations which deliver dance/support for older adults and others
with health needs. This partnership working included joint fundraising,
joint project delivery and joint marketing/public engagement initiatives.
Performance of
fundraising
activities
against objectives
set		 Para1.41
Investment
performance
against
objectives		 Para1.41
Other

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Financial Review

SORP
reference
Review of the charity’s financial
position at the end of the period		 Para1.21 As per filed accounts. Dance Creative has met its
financial obligations.
Statement explaining the policy for
holding reserves stating why
theyare held		 Para1.22 Holding a reserve, ensuring obligations can be met
and all other funds are ring fenced and allocated to
spend on the charitable activities.
Amount of reserves held Para1.22 47,301
Reasons for holding zero reserves Para1.22 n/a
Details of fund materially in deficit Para1.24 n/a
Explanation of any uncertainties
about the charity continuing as a
goingconcern		 Para1.23 n/a

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

SORP
reference
The charity’s principal sources of
funds (including any fundraising)		 Para1.47 Grants and donations
Investment policy and objectives
including any social investment
policy adopted		 Para1.46 n/a
A description of the principal risks
facing the charity		 Para1.46 n/a
Other

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Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts: SORP
reference
Type of governing document
(trust deed,royal charter)		 Para 1.25 Articles of Association
How is the charity constituted?
(e.g. unincorporated association,CIO)		 Para 1.25 Limited by Guarantee
Trustee selection methods including
details of any constitutional provisions
e.g. election to post
or name of any person or body
entitled to appoint one or more
trustees		 Para 1.25 Elected by board vote

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

SORP
reference
Policies and procedures adopted for
the induction and training of trustees		 Para1.51
The charity’s organizational structure
and any wider network with which
the charityworks		 Para1.51
Relationship with any related parties Para1.51
Other

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Reference and Administrative details

DANCE CREATIVE Charity name Other name the charity uses Registered charity number 119309 Charity’s principal address DANCE CREATIVE 149 RAVENCROFT BICESTER OXON OX2 66YF

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20		 Trusteename Office (if any) Dates acted if not for
whole year		 Name of person (or
body) entitled to appoint
trustee(if any)
D L Newton
Paula Har
Victoria Andrews

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Reference and Administrative details

(cont)

Corporate trustees – names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name Donna Newton Paula Har Victoria Andrews

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole
year

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Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets held in this
capacity		 n/a
Name and objects of the charity on
whose behalf the assets are held and
how this fall within the custodian
charity’s objects		 n/a
Details of arrangements for safe
custody and segregation of such
assets from the charity’s own assets		 n/a

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of adviser Name Address Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Other optional information

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Declara ~~tions~~

The trustee ~~s declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.~~ Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s)

Full name(s)

Position (e.g. Secretary, Chair, etc)

Date

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Charity Accounts templates – Trustees’ annual report for the period

Charity Number 119309

DANICE CREATIVE

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025

INCOME
Fees and Donations
Gift Aid
Grants
EXPENDITURE
Artists Fees
Filming
Training
Administration and Management Costs
Venue Hire
Insurance
Music Licence
Bank Charges
Travel
Sundries
NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 2025
2024
£
£
12,777
11,676
1,932
81
69,830
54,328
84,539
66,085
39,453
46,411
-
-
1,475
-
2,165
2,110
3,665
2,512
436
524
332
312
105
101
589
256
515
569
48,735
52,795
35,804
13,290
47,301
11,497

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees/Members of Dance Creative

I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31st August 2025, which are set out on pages 1 to 2.

Respective responsibilities of the trustees and members.

As trustees of Dance Creative you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the trustees and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

have not been met; or

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Donna Northcott FCCA

The Old Barn, College Court, Hempton 23/6/2026