photo of dance for parkinson's class - seated participants stretch their arms over head
NDCWales Presents

Dance for Parkinson's

Cardiff | Bangor | Wrexham | Online

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

Reviews

"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

"I've been volunteering with Dance for Parkinson's for about five years. I really enjoy the sessions, they are fun and life-affirming. We have all got to know each other over time and it feels like a family."

Anna – 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

English National Ballet Logo

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.

Taking Place
Wrexham
Coleg Cambria
Monday 16 September 2024, 13:00
Monday 23 September 2024, 13:00
Monday 30 September 2024, 13:00
Monday 7 October 2024, 13:00
Monday 14 October 2024, 13:00
Monday 21 October 2024, 13:00
Monday 4 November 2024, 13:00
Monday 11 November 2024, 13:00
Monday 18 November 2024, 13:00
Monday 25 November 2024, 13:00
Monday 2 December 2024, 13:00
Bangor
Pontio
Tuesday 2 July 2024, 13:30
Tuesday 17 September 2024, 13:30
Tuesday 24 September 2024, 13:30
Tuesday 1 October 2024, 13:30
Tuesday 8 October 2024, 13:30
Tuesday 15 October 2024, 13:30
Tuesday 5 November 2024, 13:30
Tuesday 12 November 2024, 13:30
Tuesday 19 November 2024, 13:30
Tuesday 26 November 2024, 13:30
Tuesday 3 December 2024, 13:30
Cardiff
Dance House
Thursday 21 November 2024, 14:00
Thursday 28 November 2024, 14:00
Thursday 5 December 2024, 14:00
Online
English National Ballet
Every Friday, 11:00