Dance for Parkinson's, Oxford
January 2013 saw the start of our first regional Dance for Parkinson’s programme in partnership with Oxford City Council. Beginning with two taster dance classes, People with Parkinson’s, family members and carers had the opportunity enter the fairytale world of The Sleeping Beauty.
In February, 40 participants attended an exclusive insight morning providing an insider’s glimpse into the world of English National Ballet, followed by the chance to watch a performance of The Sleeping Beauty at New Theatre, Oxford.
Dance for Parkinson’s Oxford, weekly classes take place on Saturday afternoons at the Old Fire Station, March 2 – May 25 2013.
Additionally, we were inspired by the response to our first Professional Development Training Opportunity which took place at the Old Fire Station, 9 – 10 February 2013.
This two day training programme for dance artists, musicians and health professionals looked at the English National Ballet Dance for Parkinson’s model and provided attendees with the knowledge and understanding necessary to lead and develop their own dance activities for people with Parkinson’s. For more information about future training opportunities please contact the Department of Learning .
Paul Hamlyn Foundation Yearbook
English National Ballet’s Dance for Parkinson’s programme has been featured in Paul Hamlyn Foundation Yearbook 2011-2012
Professional Development Training Opportunity
Two days training for dance artists, musicians, health professionals and other practitioners interested in gaining skills, knowledge and understanding in leading and developing dance activities for people with Parkinson’s.
Taster Classes
In 2012, English National Ballet delivered a series of Dance for Parkinson’s taster classes in Liverpool and London. These sessions opened the doors to provide further access to the Dance for Parkinson’s programme including the chance to re-discover The Sleeping Beauty through dance.
"... it feels very satisfying to be learning basic physical skills, alongside gaining a deeper understanding of the ballet."
"(I) felt privileged that members of the Company had used their time to help develop our understanding."
Tate Britain, 2012
As part of English National Ballet in Residence at Tate Britain, Dance for Parkinson’s dancers had the opportunity to present their class in front of spectators at the North Duveen Gallery. With a welcome audience of friends, family and general public, the dancers rose to the occasion and performed with energy and enthusiasm.
“This afternoon I watched your dance workshop for people with Parkinson’s in the Duveen Gallery. What a joy and a privilege! Your total commitment, gentle connection to all the participants and efficiency and organization as a team were fantastic. I'm so glad you did it publicly - thank you!”
Cardiff, 2011-12
English National Ballet has visited the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff for two open workshops in 2011-2012. People with Parkinson’s, their family members and Parkinson’s specialists from Cardiff and the surrounding areas took part in a workshop afternoon introducing the English National Ballet Dance for Parkinson’s model. The most recent session in November 2012 was inspired by The Sleeping Beauty.
“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.”
For more information or to join us for any of the classes listed above please contact the Department of Learning onlearning@ballet.org.uk
