The Dance to Health programme made a flying start this autumn: all the dance artists passed their new physio therapy accreditation and we recruited a great group of peer motivators who supported 3 taster sessions in the community.

Dance to Health is a pioneering falls prevention dance programme for older adults, combining evidence based physiotherapy with the creativity and energy of dance.

So far, we have trained four dance artists to become Postural Stability Instructors through a course that is based on the FaME and Otago exercises, both of which reduce falls significantly.

We have also run three taster sessions in Sheffield in the areas that the programmes will be based from January: Stocksbridge, Burngreave and Porter Valley.

“On Wednesday 6 December, I delivered a taster session for the all new Dance to Health programme rolling out in the New Year. I wasn’t sure who would come along but the group were an absolute joy to work with. Locals as well as professionals interested in falls prevention attended the session alongside our wonderful dance team and peer motivators.

“Throughout the taster session, we tried out elements of the Falls Management Exercise programme with a creative and joyful approach. We laughed, played, drank tea, ate mince pies and actually worked pretty hard! So, here’s to all the new programmes commencing in the New Year!” Charlotte Armitage, Dance to Health artist

Three sessions are lined up to begin in January:

Wednesday 3 January
10.00am – 12.00pm
Saint Augustine’s Church
S11 8RQ

Monday 8 January
10.00am – 12.00pm
Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre
S36 1EG

Thursday 11 January
10.00am-12.00pm
Verdon Street Recreation Centre
S3 9QS

How to get involved?

If you are interested in joining our Dance To Health programme please contact Sarah Lyon, Yorkshire Dance 0113 243 8765 or Nesreen Shah, Aesop 01993 870159