A BARRY-BASED organisation which helps generations of Vale residents to get involved in the performing arts has won a social entrepreneur award.

Motion Control Dance, based at the YMCA, has won UnLtd support and funding for its social impact in the community.

UnLtd, the UK’s foundation for social entrepreneurs, has granted funding and will also give expert support to help the organisation make lasting social change in the community.

Motion Control Dance aims "To advance the education of people of all ages, living in the Vale of Glamorgan and the surrounding areas, in the performing arts, particularly the art of dance, for the benefit of the public, in particular through the provision of classes, training, workshops and performance opportunities."

Award-winning projects have focused on children, young people and adults with disabilities, as well as socially deprived members of the community, with the aim to increase general health and wellbeing, through the medium of dance.

It works with schools and local organisations, delivering dance projects to engage physical participation, increase confidence and self-esteem, develop social skills and create new friendship groups, develop motor skills and increase physical fitness along with physical literacy and numeracy.

Projects allow people to showcase their dance pieces at local community events and competitions.

Motion Control Dance is now looking to take the charity to the next level by working with adults over the age of 50 who are at risk of social isolation or have been through the health and social care services and are now looking to find ways to meet people and pursue interests that may have been “put on hold”.

It also wants to aid those living with dementia or Parkinson's disease.

Motion Control Dance director, Emma Mallam said: “Dance has long been recognised as providing a therapeutic benefit, a form of release and a means of expression. Using simple creative movements allows people to express something of their individuality. Motion Control Dance would like to develop new services for dance as therapy, showing that dance can be a great tool for change. Benefits of using dance and movement for all ages and abilities as it provides a form of exercise with the associated health benefits, encourages social interaction, sharing and inclusion. It builds and sustains relationships, provides opportunities for non-verbal communication and stimulates language. It encourages individual expression and exploration of feelings, it stimulates memories and provides opportunities for reminiscence, it can boost self-esteem and confidence and it’s fun. I would like the Motion Control Dance charity to grow into a thriving hub for movement in the Vale of Glamorgan. With the funding and support from UnLtd, this new venture will help our older members have a chance to dance."