Women building confidence with expressive dance invite others to join

A unique group in Rochdale is using dance and creative movement to express themselves, connect, and build confidence. Women In Touch, founded in 2019, emerged as a legacy of the Rachel Kneebone Dance Project, which won Cultural Event of the Year at the 2019 Rochdale Sports and Culture Awards.

Since then, the group has grown into a supportive community where women of all backgrounds come together to explore self-expression through dance.

One of the group’s founding members shared her personal journey: “I’d never danced like that before, interpreting thoughts and feelings into movement.

"I’d performed as a poi performer at events, but I was always shy, socially awkward, and self-conscious. From the first session with these amazing women, I knew I was in the right place. It fed my soul, cheesy, I know, but it really was that profound.”

The group’s success and popularity spurred several members to keep the momentum going. With the help of Touchstones Rochdale, they secured funding, hired choreographers, and found performance spaces.

Since its inception, Women In Touch has performed at venues like Touchstones, Gracie Fields Theatre, a shopping centre, the Lighthouse Project, Rochdale Pride, and most recently, at the Royal Exchange’s "Den in the Dale" festival.

Currently run by Jen and Sandra, Women In Touch continues to provide a creative outlet for women in Rochdale.

 

 

Although numbers have dwindled, the group still meets regularly, hiring a local church hall while their original venue, Touchstones, undergoes renovations.

The group remains committed to offering a space for women to express themselves, get some exercise, connect with others, and share their stories – all while keeping participation completely free, thanks to continued funding.

“We want to remove any barriers for women who want to join us,” said one member. “Performance isn’t mandatory – we understand it can be scary, or even forbidden in some cultures.

But we encourage women to try performing with us because it gives such a huge self-confidence boost. Plus, we feel it’s important to have something to work towards.”

Women In Touch prides itself on being inclusive, welcoming women of all ages, shapes, and abilities. Their choreographers accommodate for all bodies, and trans women are warmly welcomed into the group.

As the group embarks on a new project, now is the perfect time to join. “You can show up whenever – we’ll fit you in,” says one of the group organisers. However, as schedules and venues occasionally change, they encourage anyone interested to get in touch before attending, via text, WhatsApp, email, or social media.

Women In Touch is more than just a dance group; it’s a supportive, empowering community where women can step outside of their everyday lives, explore their creativity, and build lasting connections – all through the power of movement.

The women meet at St George's Church Hall, Bury Road, Rochdale, OL11 4EB. The free sessions are held most Thursdays between 7pm - 9pm.

(Please ring or text to check)

• Jen: 07739 836848
• Sandra: 07593 276278