At Cerebral Palsy Midlands, we are constantly inspired by the generosity and kindness of our wider community. We are delighted to celebrate a truly exceptional woman, Karen Yates, who has not only shared her passion for dance with generations of pupils but has also raised a remarkable £1000 for our charity through her recent production, Big Show at 60!.
Held at Dormston Theatre in Sedgley on 27th and 28th June, Big Show at 60! was a joyful, energetic celebration of dance and inclusion. The show brought together dancers of all ages and abilities from Karen Yates School of Dance, and it served as a powerful platform to raise awareness and vital funds for two causes close to Karen’s heart – Cerebral Palsy Midlands and a Motor Neurone Disease charity, each receiving £1000.
Karen’s connection to our charity runs deeper than a single event. One of her former pupils, George, lives with hemiplegic CP, a condition that affects one side of the body. This resonated deeply with Karen, who herself has lived with a spinal injury since birth that also affects one side of her body. As a dance teacher, Karen understands better than most the barriers and perceptions that can exist around dance and movement, but she’s also seen first-hand how dance can uplift, and connect.
Above: Karen Yates with Matilda, aged 3. Karen Yates School of Dance.
Over the years, Karen has raised more than £60,000 for local causes through her shows and events. Her dedication to community fundraising was even recognised on John Barrowman's BBC show, Tonight's the Night – a well-deserved spotlight for someone who has quietly made a huge difference.
We love Dance here at CPM!
At Cerebral Palsy Midlands, we are passionate about making dance accessible to everyone. Twice a week, we host Wheelchair Dance sessions at our Harborne centre, welcoming citizens to move, express themselves, and feel the joy that dance can bring. On Friday evenings, the vibrant FreeWheelin Inclusive Dance group also meets in our centre.
FreeWheelin Dance includes our very own Vicky Lilly, who lives with quadriplegic CP . In May 2025, Vicky and the FreeWheelin team won gold at the West Oxfordshire Open Inclusive Dance Championship, performing an uplifting routine to Sia's “Unstoppable”.
FreeWheelin Inclusive Dance Team with dance tutor Helen Mason (pictured top row - end on the right) at West Oxfordshire Inclusive Dance Championships. Vicky Lilly is on the front row at the end on the right hand side.
Thank you, Karen – you are unstoppable.
Karen’s generous donation supports these very programmes, helping to ensure that inclusive dance remains a part of our weekly rhythm. It’s a powerful reminder that everyone can dance – regardless of age, ability, or experience.
We are truly grateful to Karen Yates for her heartfelt support and for using her platform to uplift disability causes through the art of dance. She has shown us what it means to lead with compassion, creativity, and joy.
Click here for more information Karen Yates School of Dance.
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