English National Ballet is moving the next term of its engagement programme Dance for Parkinson’s online this autumn in order to continue to provide classes during the pandemic.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the programme centres around dance lessons designed for people living with Parkinson’s. Usually, the classes are held in person at English National Ballet’s home in Canning Town, East London and in association with five hubs and affiliated partners across the country, but all classes had to be paused earlier this year due to COVID-19.
The term of eight classes begins on Saturday 10 October. Each pre-recorded class is led by ENB Associate Dance Artist Kate Hartley-Stevens and draws inspiration from ENB’s classical and contemporary repertoire. Each session will also give the participants an opportunity to socialise on a group Zoom call and to hear from members of ENB about life behind the scenes of the company.
Research has shown that dancing can enhance fluidity of movement, develop postural stability and flexibility of the spine amongst other benefits to people living with Parkinson’s.
ENB’s hub partners National Dance Company Wales and DanceEast are also running online Dance for Parkinson’s classes.