NDCWales Presents
Dance for Parkinson's
25 April – 4 July 2024
Online and In Person
Dance for Parkinson's classes are fun and informal.
People walk out of our classes transformed: feeling taller, more confident, more stable, balanced and able to speak more clearly.
Most notable however are the big smiles we witness radiating inside and out. Come and join us!
Dance has been proven to develop confidence and strength, whilst temporarily relieving some participants of symptoms in everyday life. Classes are creative and promote feelings of freedom from the physical and social constraints of having Parkinson’s.
Classes offer movement and voice exercises designed to help manage living with Parkinson’s.
Dancing can enhance fluidity of movement, develop postural stability, flexibility of the spine and improve balance whilst the use of rhythm and voice can help with cueing movement and expression.
Classes are open to those living with Parkinson’s, along with their families, loved ones and carers.
We are an Affiliated hub of English National Ballet’s Dance for Parkinson’s programme.
We are pleased to say that Dance For Parkinson's is now available at venues across Wales including:
- Mondays: Coleg Cambria, Wrexham
- Tuesdays: Pontio, Bangor
- Thursdays: Dance House Cardiff
- Fridays: Online
For more information and to book a class, please scroll down.
We are currently running classes both digitally and in person at different venues.
Classes In Person
Are 1 hour 15 minutes long and include hot drinks and a sweet treat.
Classes Online
Are 90 minutes long and run through a programme called Zoom, which you can join from the comfort of your own home using a laptop, tablet or smart TV - you'll just need a chair.
FAQ
What to expect
Our 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.
Classes start with seated warm ups for the arms, legs and voice, before moving onto valuable skills such as rising, walking without stopping and fluid movement. We usually end with a song, a coffee and a social chat over biscuits.
You could watch our videos below to learn more, or why not message us for a free first session to see what it's all about.
Signing up
If you want to know more about Dance for Parkinson's before joining you can email us to find out more, or scroll down to book on. Both in person and online classes are booked through each venue's website.
Paying
You can pay here on our website using paypal or your credit, or debit card, or with cash or contactless when you arrive.
Partners and Carers
Are more than welcome to join the classes, and encouraged to move, learn and sing too. Everyone that attends classes must get involved, and should also pay to attend.
I don't have Parkinson's can I attend?
These classes are specifically and scientifically designed with Parkinson's in mind.
Do you need Volunteers?
We are also always happy to hear from keen volunteers to help set up and offer support during class.
Click here For more information about volunteering
SCROLL RIGHT TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE TO BOOK FOR BOTH ONLINE AND IN PERSON CLASSES
Classes run in term time from September to March, then March to July.
COLEG CAMBRIA, WREXHAM
Mondays 1pm - 2.15pm
PONTIO, BANGOR
Tuesdays 1.30pm - 2.45pm
DANCE HOUSE, CARDIFF
Thursday 2pm - 3.15pm
ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET ONLINE
Fridays 11am - 12.30pm
"It makes me feel I can cope better, I can walk better... it's the best medicine. I come in feeling like a little old lady", but I leave here feeling quite tall.“
- Participant
“…it's just having the confidence in themselves to feel that they are able to perhaps try different movements that they wouldn't have had the confidence to do beforehand. They come in perhaps with stooped posture, by the end they're much more lifted, much more open.”
Yvette Wilson, Dance Artist
“Being a volunteer for NDCWales' Dance for Parkinson's is joyful for the dancing, connecting, listening to and sharing life stories, supporting, contributing, belonging and laughing.”
Sally Varrel – Volunteer Dance for Parkinson’s Cardiff
"What a wonderful session and interesting concept for all working, living and dealing with people with Parkinson's. I am so glad I was able to attend. It inspired me to feel I would like to pursue dance more with people living with this condition."
Participant, Parkinson's Specialist Nurse, Cardiff
"Enjoyed every week I’m sure it helps with everyday life, we go away feeling very happy."
Participant, Cardiff
This programme is partnership with English National Ballet. (excluding Wrexham)
English National Ballet’s Dance for Parkinson’s programme has been running since 2008, and classes take place in London, as well as nationally in partnership with National Dance Company Wales in Cardiff, DanceEast in Ipswich, MDI in Liverpool and Oxford City Council.
We are proud to be part of the Dance for PD membership, to support Dance for Parkinson’s Partnership and People Dancing and to have an affiliation with Parkinson’s UK.
ENB's national Dance for Parkinson’s programme enjoys close links with Parkinson’s UK and the European Parkinson’s Disease Association EPDA.