Give Life a Dance Inc (GLAD) is a Not For Profit organisation, providing innovative, personalised therapeutic dance programmes to people of all ages and abilities. Our programs have been developed to facilitate wellness, relaxation and improved quality of life for people.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a space where participants can experience the joy and freedom of dance no matter what their limitations. Many people are challenged to access dance programs within their communities. The elderly, indigenous people and people with health conditions such as dementia, PTSD, depression and physical disability have limited access due to financial and other challenges. We aim to change that. We aim to provide a vibrant supportive space for movement and music exploration. Side effects of our programs include improved balance, flexibility and muscle strength. Participants also experience reductions in anxiety, depression and agitation which result in over-all improvement to quality of life markers.
GLAD Inc. was established in 2013 by Michelle Locke, founder of Wu Tao International. She established GLAD to make therapeutic dance programs accessible to people of all ages and abilities who are challenged to access or afford regular dance classes in the community.
Our Team
Founder
Michelle Locke started her professional life as a ballerina. After injury ended her career, she studied Traditional Chinese Medicine and in 2001 developed Wu Tao, a therapeutic modality combining oriental medicine with the beauty and flow of dance. Her work has spread worldwide with accredited instructors facilitating Wu Tao classes, workshops and programs in many countries. She has working closely with Alzheimers Association of Western Australia and Dementia Behavioural Management Advisory Service providing programs to Care facilities and individuals with dementia. In 2013, Michelle founded Give Life a Dance Inc, a not for profit organisation to facilitate the provision of therapeutic dance programs to people of all ages and abilities. She completed her Bachelor of Nursing in 2015 following the death of her daughter from Rett syndrome. She currently works as an RN in residential aged care and teaches Wu Tao locally and internationally.
Dementia Advocate
Emma Jack is a family carer, a qualified Wu Tao Dance instructor and a member of the 2016 Memory Bridge alumni. She has completed over 100 hours of training in dementia care and compassionate communication, including the Spark of Life practitioner course and Dance for PD workshops. Plus over 100 hours in professional behaviour change and group learning and facilitation training, with years of experience in these fields. Emmasays: “My vision is to provide creative and nurturing spaces for people with Dementia and their Carers to connect and enjoy life.” Building on two decades of personal development, yoga and meditation practice, Emma also receives inspiration from Open Floor Dance and Tamalpa Art Life Institute teachers.