Rashmi Becker

Founder

I was born in London, England and started dancing from a young age. Growing up with a brother who has Autism, a learning disability and visual impairment, I quickly understood the benefits of dance to health and wellbeing. Music and movement were a fantastic way for my brother to express himself, mange his anxiety, to develop coordination and to be happy.

As an adult I began working with disabled people in care settings and continued to see the benefits of dance and physical activity on quality of life. I became involved in various advocacy activities to support disabled people to have a voice and to have the same opportunities to participate in society as everyone else. In 2013 I became a Board Member of Activity Alliance, championing inclusive activity.

I continued to dance throughout my adult life, volunteering and performing for different community and charity events. I realised just how much people love dancing but also the lack of opportunities to take part. This led me to establish Step Change Studios with the support of the Dance Enterprise Ideas Fund. My ambition was to provide dance that is fun, and for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

I remain committed to supporting efforts to tackle social inequalities, and using physical activity and the arts to improve our lives. I am a Board Member of Sport England, and hold a PhD in Psychiatry from the University of Cambridge. In 2021 I was recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours List with an MBE for services to disabled people.