Dance for Parkinson’s classes are fun and informal classes run by National Dance Company Wales (NDCWales) and English National Ballet (ENB) proven to develop confidence and strength, whilst temporarily relieving some participants of symptoms in everyday life.
During the pandemic, NDCWales and ENB adapted the classes so it could be delivered online, and working with Digital Communities Wales provided support to give participants the confidence and the skills to engage with online sessions.
Now, NDCWales and ENB are reintroducing in person classes, offering participants the chance to take part at various hubs around Wales including Blackwood Miners Institute on a Tuesday morning and the Dance House, Cardiff Bay on a Thursday afternoon. All classes operate on a termly basis and are listed on the NDCWales website https://ndcwales.co.uk/dance-parkinsons
In Wales, there are estimated to be around 6,000 people living with Parkinson’s – with the majority aged over 50. The classes aim to improve mobility and speech in those living with Parkinson’s through movement and vocal exercises accompanied by live music. Most people joining have no dance experience, and it really isn’t needed to enjoy and benefit from the class.
“There is something special about Dance for Parkinson’s that can’t be entirely replicated online. Although the class is about movement, it is also about sharing a cup of tea and meeting people who understand the same physical and social constraints that you do.” Guy O’Donnell, NDCWales Learning and Participation Producer.
ENB and NDCWales’ Dance for Parkinson’s class has been running since 2015 as an affiliated hub of English National Ballet’s Dance for Parkinson’s programme.
If you would like further information and to sign up to the programme as participant or a volunteer please contact Guy O’Donnell, Learning and Participation Producer – [email protected] or call 029 2063 5600.
Dance for Parkinson’s is supported by the Moondance Foundation, National Lottery Community Fund, Western Power Distribution and Arts&Business Cymru.
