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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 10,000 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 130 participants take part in sessions delivered by Scottish Ballet in Glasgow, Dance Base in Edinburgh and with our local hub partners: 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.
Scottish Ballet and Dance Base are establishing new regional hubs in three locations this Autumn, bringing the total number to ten across Scotland. The new classes will be delivered in partnership with Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre in Peebles, Horsecross Arts in Perth and Macrobert Arts Centre in Stirling.
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. Using the themes and movement from current productions, specially trained Scottish Ballet and Dance Base Dance Artists lead participants to develop movement skills with particular focus on fluidity of movement, balance, coordination, expression, posture and rhythm. The classes also include activities focused on problem solving, improvisation, vocal skills, and repetition from memory and multi-tasking, which are all key areas for people with Parkinson's. The classes feature live music accompaniment.
For more information on Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland, please contact dancehealth@scottishballet.co.uk.
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.
‘Thank you to Scottish Ballet for giving us this opportunity to take part in the programme. Your team has been so welcoming and friendly, we really look forward to Mondays. 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. Meeting other people between classes is a welcome addition as I find that since chatting to others at this time and getting to know them we are all opening up gradually and are happy to discuss everyday problems of living with Parkinson’s.’
Evie Gillies, Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland participant
The Dance for Parkinson’s programme also features a research and medical documentation element, with Scottish Ballet and Dance Base working closely with the neuroscientist Dr Donald Grosset from the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. This research element is delivered in partnership with the University of Glasgow, NHS Glasgow and NHS Edinburgh and explores the impact dance and movement has on people with Parkinson’s.
Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland is delivered in partnership with Dance Base with support from The Paul Hamlyn Foundation, The Rayne Foundation, Elizabeth Frankland Moore and Star Foundation, J & J R Wilson Trust, The Nancie Massey Charitable Trust, and The RS Macdonald Charitable Trust. 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.
