Hounslow Council is delivering Dancing Books, a free, fun, early-years programme for local families. The sessions feature as part of the Council’s Year of Reading celebrations.
Working with DanceWest Hounslow Council is delivering high-quality dance activities for under 4's and their carers, as a catalyst for positive change within communities.
Councillor Salman Shaheen, Hounslow’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Public Spaces, visited a session at Brentford Community Hub and Library on Tuesday, 28 January. He spoke to local parents and carers, many of whom have already recommended Dancing Books to other local families, and Maria Jell-Shah from Dance West, who led the session.
Hounslow Council delivered Dancing Books with support from South Western Railway, who funded the project. The sessions bring free, accessible workshops that use dance, storytelling and imaginative play, and help young children with communication, coordination and confidence.
Dancing Books workshops take place at
- Osterley Community Hub and Library, on Tuesdays, from 10.30 to 11.05am and again from 11.15 to 11.50am.
- Brentford Community Hub and Library, on Tuesdays, from 1.30 to 2.05pm and again from 2.10 to 2.45pm
Dancing Books workshops are free and run every Tuesday, term time only, until Tuesday, 24 March.
The sessions also encourage a love of reading by bringing children’s books to life in an interactive and playful way.
Cllr Salman Shaheen said
I'm so grateful to the Dance West team who've brought Dancing Books to our libraries, and smiles to so many faces.
Here, stories come to life, children learn through play and movement, and families are given free activities they can take part in together.
It’s a fantastic addition to our early years offer. I must bring my kids along!
Maria Jell-Shah said “One of my favourite things is that we try to get everyone involved, so you get these little social connections between a grown-up, who might sit at the side in another session, and a child. They have these tiny little moments where they interact with each other, which are really special.”
