Our Dancing with Parkinson’s programme offers dance and movement sessions which are appropriate for those living with Parkinson’s and anyone living with a neurological condition, heart or circulatory disease. We are proud that this programme not only delivers a high-quality dance experience for the participants but also allows their companions if they wish to experience it alongside them.

Classes usually last for 1 hour of dancing and 30 minutes of social time. Classes are mainly seated but we encourage those who would like to, to stand. A support artist is always in sessions to share the seated version as the lead practitioner develops standing material.

Classes begin with a led warm up into various seated and standing exercises that mobilise the body and joints, encourage use of voice and rhythm and support brain function through coordination tasks. Class material is matched with rhythmic music spanning across the decades. Creative choreography is often created in collaboration with the dancers, allowing a build on material each week. These exercises test recall of memory and muscles. For those that wish to take their dance and movement further performance opportunities are available.

All classes end on a cooldown so dancers are ready to refocus on their day ahead. We invite participants to stay at the end of the dancing session for a social lasting 30 minutes including a cuppa and a biscuit.

Venue: Starts at the Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate CO1 1PT and alternates each week with the William Loveless Hall, Wivenhoe CO7 9AB.
Times: 14:00 – 15:30
Fee: £5.00 per person living with Parkinson’s along with their companion