Flamingo chicks meet the ‘Flamingo Chicks’
A group of young dancers took a trip to see their feathered counterparts on a visit to WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre.
Flamingo Chicks, Bristol’s only inclusive dance group where children with disabilities can dance alongside able-bodied friends, travelled to WWT Slimbridge on Monday to visit Slimbridge’s famous flamingo flocks.
The group spent the day at the wetland centre and enjoyed a special tour of the flamingos before having an on-site dance lesson inspired by the movements the children learnt from their time observing the beautiful birds.
Katherine Sparkes, Flamingo Chicks founder says: “We loved our trip to Slimbridge and very special dance class amongst our feathered friends. The Wetlands Centre is a great experience for all the senses and not only did we learn new moves from observing the birds but we were also able to stimulate our children’s senses of hearing, smell and touch.”
Flamingo Chicks launched at the beginning of this year and the dance class includes children undergoing treatment for cancer, those who are visually impaired, children with autism, cerebral palsy or Down’s Syndrome amongst other conditions.
“The sessions double up as a support group for parents as whilst the little ones dance, the parents have a special area where they can talk, share stories and swap tips.
WWT Slimbridge is the only place in the world you can see all six species of flamingo. This year the greater flamingos have had a record year with 35 chicks hatching earlier this summer.
Sally Munro, marketing manager, said: “Flamingos are known for their beautiful dancing displays so it is a fitting name for the group.
“We were delighted they chose to visit here and they picked a great time of year as they were able to see all the chicks.”
The Flamingo Chicks classes run on a weekly basis from Westbury Park Bristol with new classes starting from autumn 2014. To find out more visit www.flamingochicks.co.uk or www.facebook.com/flamingochicks and @flamingochicks on Twitter.
