Dancing East
Improving physical and mental well-being in over 50s through dance classes in community centres in east London.
Dancing East is English National Ballet’s (ENB) programme of creative ballet classes for participants over 50.
The weekly dance classes are delivered through 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, improve their physical and mental wellbeing and overcome social isolation through the provision of activities and an outreach service.
Classes take place at Neighbours in Poplar, Sundial Centre, St Hilda’s Sonali Gardens, and Toynbee Hall. More details about the Autumn term schedule can be downloaded here.
What to expect?
You will receive a warm welcome at all our Dancing East centres. Enjoy live music and performance repertoire-inspired creative dance sessions led by our experienced Associate Artists. Explore works by celebrated contemporary choreographers as well as classical ballet repertoire. You will also have the opportunity to attend an English National Ballet performance in London.
Why dance?
Ballet has many health and well-being benefits. As a form of exercise, ballet builds strength, improves posture, balance, coordination and flexibility, thereby increasing mobility and improving spatial awareness to reduce the risk of falls. Learning combinations of movements develops mental agility and improves concentration and memory. As a stress reliever, Dancing East is a social, artistic and celebratory activity that improves our mental well-being.
To find out more about joining a Dancing East class, please contact one of the community centres listed above or email info@ageukeastlondon.org.uk.
“I never want to miss a class; I cancel other things to make sure I can be there.”Dancing East Participant
“We love the arts; it is so wonderful to be able to participate. It is nice to be in the audience but so different to be part of it. Who would have thought it, dancing at my age!”Dancing East Participant
“The dance/movement classes run by ENB are hugely popular due to the incredibly high standard of teaching which caters for the individual needs of each participant.”Outreach Coordinator, Sundial Centre, Linkage Plus