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We’re proud to share and celebrate the publication of a new Evaluation & Impact Report following international teacher training undertaken by our Dance Instructors, Carrie Montgomery and Declan Allison.

 

Earlier this year, Carrie and Declan took part in the Bluesology Teacher Training, Europe’s only dedicated blues dance teacher training programme. The training is delivered by The Blues Room in Valencia and led by co-founders Vicci Moore and Adamo Ciarallo, whose work has shaped blues dance education internationally.

 

Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland through the Support for Individual Artists Programme, this training provided an opportunity to step back from delivery and invest deeply in how dance is taught - with a focus on pedagogy, inclusive practice, musicality, class design, feedback and reflective teaching, all grounded in the cultural values of blues dance.

 

Following the training, Carrie and Declan returned to Belfast and spent four months applying this learning through a redesigned blues dance syllabus at Our Social Space. An evaluation was carried out with participants to understand how these changes affected teaching quality, learning, confidence and inclusion.

 

The findings show clear impact, including:

  • improved structure, clarity and flow of classes
  • increased confidence, relaxation and focus among participants
  • strong feelings of inclusion, support and community
  • continued engagement from participants travelling from across Northern Ireland

 

The report also highlights the wider professional impact of this investment. As a direct result of connections formed through Bluesology, Carrie and Declan have since been invited to deliver blues dance workshops in Europe, helping raise the profile of dance practice emerging from Northern Ireland.

 

This work has been supported not only through funding, but through community. Carrie and Declan extend their thanks to Our Social Space, The Blues Crew, and all their participants whose feedback, openness and encouragement continue to shape our programmes week after week.

 

👉 Read the full Bluesology Teacher Training – Evaluation & Impact Report (PDF):

 

https://www.oursocialspace.org.uk/Bluesology-Teacher-Training-Evaluation-Report-2025.pdf

 

At Our Social Space, we believe that investing in artists and instructors is an investment in community wellbeing. This report captures how professional development can strengthen not just artistic practice, but connection, confidence and belonging.

Our Impact

"This new life of social dancing with this group of wonderful people has been totally life changing for me.  My physical and mental health has improved ten-fold.  My confidence has grown and I have a whole new circle of supportive friends.  I now have a whole new outlook on life."

 

"The instructors and organisers have been fantastic in their efforts to reduce barriers for all of us.  They take into account people's personal circumstances and identify how they can help.  Particularly reducing barriers relating to confidence, health and caring responsibilities."

 

"As a single person, social isolation has been an issue for me in the past.  One of the greatest benefits of attending dance classes and social events is feeling part of a very supportive and caring community.  I have been able to talk to people in the dance community who have been or are going through similar personal challenges.  I'm very grateful to be part of this dance and social community and I feel very fortunate on so many levels".