This autumn, English National Ballet will launch Dancing East, a programme of weekly east London-based ballet classes for older people run with LinkAge Plus, a free service for anyone over the age of 50 living in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
The service aims to help older people achieve a better quality of life and improve their physical and mental well-being. Following a successful pilot project in the area, a series of classes will now take place across five community centres in east London.
The programme is based on the ENB's own performance repertoire, with a first term inspired by Lest We Forget, its programme of works that reflect on the First World War.
Fleur Derbyshire Fox, ENB's Engagement Director, said, "we are thrilled to be bringing Dancing East to our new east London community ahead of our move next year. Ballet-based exercise encourages increased mobility, improves spatial awareness, posture and balance to reduce the risk of falls. The music and creativity promote a sense of wellbeing and enjoyment and it's a great way to socialise too."
English National Ballet is planning to move to its new purpose-built home at London City Island in Canning Town in early 2019.