At DTM Legal, we are proud to celebrate the many ways our team members support their communities outside of work. In this Volunteer Spotlight, we are shining a light on Soraya Maroof, Paralegal in Residential Conveyancing, and her inspiring work with Cheshire Swing Cats, a community-focused not-for-profit swing dance group based in Chester.
Soraya is a director of Cheshire Swing Cats and has been involved with the organisation for nearly ten years. What began as a passion for partner dancing has grown into a major part of her life, with Soraya helping to shape and support a vibrant local community through dance.
As part of her volunteering, Soraya wears many hats. She teaches classes, helps direct the company, manages the finances, runs the website, and plans and delivers events. Her dedication is clear to see, with volunteering often becoming a daily commitment.
Having been partner dancing for 20 years, Soraya says her love of dance was the natural inspiration behind getting involved and helping to establish Cheshire Swing Cats nearly a decade ago. Since then, she has played a key role in building a welcoming and energetic community for dancers of all abilities.
The Benefits of Volunteering
For Soraya, the most rewarding part of volunteering is seeing the positive impact it has on members. Whether it is helping people develop new skills, improve their fitness, or experience the mental health benefits that come from dancing and social connection, she finds great joy in watching people grow in confidence both on and off the dance floor.
One of the highlights of the year is the group’s annual dance weekender, where Cheshire Swing Cats welcomes fellow lindy hoppers from across the world. From organising bands and socials to ensuring the event runs smoothly, Soraya describes these weekends as tiring but fabulous and a brilliant reminder of the power of community.
Soraya believes her volunteering benefits people by giving them a real sense of belonging, as well as “a wave of endorphins each time they dance”. Through Cheshire Swing Cats, people can come together, make new connections and enjoy the many physical and emotional benefits that dancing brings.
Volunteering has also taught Soraya a great deal personally, particularly the value of patience and optimism. When asked to describe her volunteering experience in just three words, her answer was: “Very fast feet!”
Of course, not every memorable moment has come from the dance floor itself. In one particularly unexpected and much-appreciated moment, Soraya arranged for a local ice cream van to visit during classes in the height of summer, a surprise that left everyone delighted.
Want to get involved?
For anyone considering volunteering but unsure where to begin, Soraya’s advice is simple: “Just go for it. There are so many amazing causes and you can really make a difference to people’s lives.”
Those interested in supporting Cheshire Swing Cats can get involved by attending one of their beginner-friendly classes, which take place every Sunday night in Chester.
