Established in 2016 in partnership with Dance Base, Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland is a national network of classes that support those living with Parkinson’s to experience the benefits of dance and creativity.

Every week, over 100 participants take part in sessions across Scotland delivered by Scottish Ballet, Dance Base and a range of regional partners in Aberdeen, Dundee, Greenock, Inverness, Peebles, Perth and Stirling.  

The programme is inspired by Dance for PD® created in 2001 by Olie Westhemier (Brooklyn Parkinson’s Group) and David Leventhal (Mark Morris Dance Group). Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland is proud to maintain a partnership with the Dance for PD® program to foster international best practice, research and professional exchange.

Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland Network has been made possible by the generous support of Baillie Gifford (Scottish Ballet’s Neurological Dance Health partner), our trusts, foundations, and patrons.

I love the wonderful stretches. You listen to your body and it’s what your body says you need.

Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland Participant

How do classes help?

Dance can help people living with Parkinson’s physically, mentally and socially, aiding mobility and improving overall feelings of wellbeing.

Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland classes improve balance, spatial awareness, confidence and fluidity of movement.

Read the formal evaluations carried out on the programme here.

What can I expect?

Classes last around 1 hour and 30 minutes and include a variety of seated and standing movements.

Each class is led by a team of dance health specialists and volunteers and is accompanied by live music.

You are welcome to bring a friend, partner or carer to join in free of charge.

As with all Scottish Ballet Health programmes classes include a social time with refreshments. This social time, with others with lived experience of Parkinson’s, builds friendships and a community of support.

How can I join in?

Choose between weekly in-person, on demand classes and weekly hybrid in-person/online classes.

Our in-person classes are held at Scottish Ballet HQ in Glasgow. For more information about other locations, please email dancehealth@scottishballet.co.uk

Online classes are held on Zoom. For this you will need a computer or mobile device that can access the internet. You will be emailed the link to access the session before each class.

Dance for Parkinson’s tool kit

This booklet of tasks and images has been designed to support you with certain actions, including reaching, initiating movement after freezing, and moving from a seated to standing position.