Scottish Ballet is spearheading a groundbreaking Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland programme, delivered in partnership with Dance Base.

In Scotland, there are estimated to be approximately 12,400 people who live with Parkinson’s, and this number is set to increase over the next 25 years. Dance can help people with Parkinson's physically, mentally and socially, aiding mobility and improving overall feelings of wellbeing.

Established in 2016, the Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland programme supports those with Parkinson’s to experience the benefits of dance and creativity -improving balance, spatial awareness, confidence and fluidity in movement. Every week, around 100 participants take part in sessions delivered by Scottish Ballet in Glasgow and Dance Base in Edinburgh.

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland programme engaged with local partners to provide classes in Aberdeen Performing Arts and City Moves, Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock, Centre Stage in Kilmarnock, Eden Court in Inverness, and Shaper Caper and The Space in Dundee, Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre in Peebles, Horsecross Arts in Perth and Macrobert Arts Centre in Stirling, bringing the total number to classes across Scotland to ten.

Due to the current Covid-19 restriction, we have moved our Dance for Parkinson's Scotland classes online.

CLASSES

Class

Dance for Parkinson's Scotland

The warm and informal Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland classes feature elements of ballet and contemporary dance with a focus on Scottish Ballet’s repertoire.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

Relaxed and informal
Friendly and fun
Learn and develop skills
Classes led by experienced dance health artists and accompanied by live music when possible
Please wear comfortable clothing you can move in
All levels and abilities welcome

For more information on Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland, please contact dancehealth@scottishballet.co.uk.

SUPPORT US

If you would like more information about making a donation to Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland please contact Olivia Calder on 0141 331 6269 or olivia.calder@scottishballet.co.uk.

‘The time spent in class allows us both to concentrate on the movements, find out how our bodies cope with new challenges and, hopefully, overcome difficulties with movement which can make such a difference in everyday life. The encouragement coupled with a light-hearted approach helps us to gain confidence both in doing the movements and participating with others.’
Evie Gillies, Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland participant

The Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland programme features a research element, exploring the impact dance and movement has on people living with Parkinson’s. Since 2016, Scottish Ballet and Dance Base have worked closely with a range of academic and medical partners to evaluate the initial eighteen-month pilot project and the three-year national expansion programme including; Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, neuroscientist Dr Donald Grosset (Queen Elizabeth University Hospital), University of Glasgow, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Edinburgh.

Dr. Bethany Whiteside’s pilot evaluation report can be accessed below. The final national expansion evaluation report will be available later this year.

Downloads

Dance for Parkinson's Scotland Pilot Evaluation954.41 KB PDF

Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland is a national programme supported and funded by Dance Base, Scottish Ballet, The Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Baillie Gifford (Scottish Ballet Dance Health partner) and Parkinson’s UK. We are also thankful for the support we have received from, The Rayne Foundation, RS Macdonald Charitable Trust, the Elizabeth Frankland Moore & Star Foundation, The Robertson Trust and Scottish Ballet patrons. Dance for Parkinson's Scotland is proud to maintain a partnership with the Mark Morris Dance Group's Dance for PD program to foster international best practice, research and professional exchange.