'I can still have a life after sight loss'

Susan Whitehouse, from Leeds, started to lose her sight in 2019

A dance workshop for blind and visually impaired people in Leeds is helping to change the lives of those taking part.

The Unbound Dance Theatre holds the session every other Friday at Yorkshire Dance in the city centre.

Susan Whitehouse, from Leeds, started to lose her sight in 2019 and her vision is deteriorating.

She said: "It's been a bit of a shock - being with these other people has given me more confidence to move about in the world - and realise I can still have a life after sight loss."

Recalling when she started to lose her vision, Ms Whitehouse said: "At first I thought what on earth am I going to do - how do I live now I've got sight loss?

"But all these other people are living and they're having a whale of a time - and I'm joining in with them."

The workshop is held every two weeks and helps people with balance and mental health

Ms Whitehouse describes what she can now see as a "wibbly wobbly world" - but said the workshops really helped with her balance and self-confidence.

"They are thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyable," she added.

"The exercise and the mental wellbeing I feel after I've done one of these classes - it's mentally stimulating and it lifts your mood."

The workshops were set up by Leeds choreographer Sandrine Monin in 2022.

She said: "The first thing is trust, so you need to make sure you really communicate with people.

"The first time we describe the room, we all introduce ourselves, always have a check in, see how everyone is feeling, so we get a sense of where everyone is at."

"You don't need sight to dance - you just need to trust your body," she added.

The workshop is run by choreographer Sandrine Monin who has been advising the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing this year

Ms Monin has also been advising Chris McCausland's professional dancer Diane Buswell on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing this year.

The comedian is the first blind dancer on the show and has been impressing the judges with his daring lifts and moves.

McCausland is registered blind after losing his sight to retinitis pigmentosa in his 20s and 30s.

Before Strictly, he confessed he could not dance, something viewers might disagree with.

Chris McCausland's Strictly routines have been met with amazement from viewers

Referring to her work with Strictly dancer Diane Buswell, Ms Monin said: "We talked about language, how to describe movements, how to maybe use metaphors and not just being descriptive.

"We talked about manipulation - how you move people around, how do you help them get a sense of the space and how to build trust."

Eric Ansah-Sem has the same genetic condition as Chris McCausland.

He said: "It's about space - if I have to do it at home everything has to be out of the way - but with the space here you don't think about what you're doing, all you do is get into it.

"I love music and dance so it has boosted my confidence much more."

Eric Ansah-Sem said he loved music, dancing and having the space to express himself

Mr Ansah-Sem said his loss of sight meant that he never thought he would be able to take part in a dance workshop.

"I just thought it was not possible until I came to see Sandrine.

"I'm very happy."

So did this group think Chris McCausland could win Strictly?

Susan Whitehouse said: "Oh definitely, definitely - we're all rooting for him anyway."

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