Dance, Dementia & Care

Creating moments of joy, connection and belonging through dance.

​

At Dance Network Association (DNA), we believe everyone should have opportunities to dance, connect and be creative throughout their lives.

​

We offer two types of community dance programme for people living with dementia: Dancing with Dementia and Dancing with Care. Both use dance, music and creativity to support physical and emotional wellbeing, encourage connection and reduce social isolation, but each offers a slightly different community experience.

​

To book you place in any of the sessions below 

If you are 'new' to DNA book your class click here following details to book and register.

If you already attend we will have you booked in and on the register no need to book again.

If you need support with booking, please call 07490 374 717 or email info@dancenetworkassociation.org.uk.

​

Dancing with Dementia

Creative dance experiences connecting care homes with their wider communities.

Dancing with Dementia brings our Creative Health practice into care-home settings, creating welcoming dance sessions for care-home residents alongside people living with dementia in the wider community, their families, friends and companions.

Rather than being an activity exclusively for care-home residents, these sessions open the doors to the wider community, bringing people together through music, movement and creativity.

Sessions combine gentle and adaptable movement, familiar music, rhythm and creative activities, with everyone encouraged to participate in their own way. Dance is followed by time for tea, coffee and conversation, providing opportunities for friendships and connections to develop.

No previous dance experience is needed.

​

Braintree

Braintree Mews Care Home, Church Lane, Braintree, CM7 5SE

Monthly Thursdays

11:00–12:30

Autumn 2026 dates:
17 September
22 October

​

Cost: Classes are free to attend. If you are able, a suggested donation of £5 per session is appreciated and helps us continue providing accessible community dance opportunities.

With thanks to our supporters: Braintree District & Eastlight Community Fund and the Jean and Peter Davey Charitable Fund, administered by Essex Community Foundation.

Venue kindly provided by: Avery Collection.

​

Halstead

Colne View Care Home, Dame Mary Walk, Colchester Road, Halstead, CO9 2FF

Monthly Tuesdays

14:00–15:30

Autumn 2026 dates:
15 September
20 October
17 November

​

Cost: Classes are free to attend. If you are able, a suggested donation of £5 per session is appreciated and helps us continue providing accessible community dance opportunities.

​

With thanks to our supporters: Braintree District & Eastlight Community Fund and the Jean and Peter Davey Charitable Fund, administered by Essex Community Foundation.

Venue kindly provided by: Colne View Care Home.

​

Dancing with Care

Supporting people living with dementia and those who care alongside them.

Dancing with Care is our community-based Creative Health programme designed around the shared experience of people living with dementia and their loved ones, family members, friends, carers and companions.

​

We recognise that living with dementia can affect the whole support network. Dancing with Care therefore creates a space where people can enjoy something positive together – not simply as a person receiving care and a person providing it, but as partners, friends and families sharing dance, music and creativity.

​

Sessions combine accessible dance and creative movement with familiar music, and a dedicated social time over tea and coffee. This creates space for conversation, friendship and informal peer support, helping people build relationships with others who may be navigating similar experiences.

No previous dance experience is needed, and movement can be adapted so everyone can participate in a way that works for them.

​

Brentwood

Hutton Community Centre, Harrison Close, Hutton, Brentwood, CM13 1LP

Fortnightly Fridays

11:30–13:15

​

Autumn 2026
9 & 23 October
6 & 20 November

​

Winter 2026/27
4 & 18 December
15 & 29 January
12 & 26 February

​

Spring 2027
12 March
23 April
7 & 21 May

​

Summer 2027
18 June
2, 16 & 30 July

 

Cost: Classes are free to attend. If you are able, a suggested donation of £5 per session is appreciated and helps support the continuation of the programme.

​

With thanks to our supporters: Brentwood Health and Inequalities Fund and Essex County Council Carers Fund.

​

Rayleigh

Todman Centre, Castle Road, Rayleigh, SS6 7QF

Fortnightly Fridays

10:30–12:30

​

Autumn 2026 dates:
2, 16 & 30 October
13 & 27 November
11 December

​

Cost: Classes are free to attend. If you are able, a suggested donation of £5 per session is appreciated and helps support the continuation of the programme.

​

With thanks to our supporters: Sport England Movement Fund. 

.

What all our programmes share

Whichever programme you attend, you can expect a warm welcome, high-quality dance experiences and an inclusive approach that focuses on what people can do.

Movement can be enjoyed seated, standing or through a combination of both, with our dance artists adapting activities to meet the needs of the people in the room.

​

Our programmes are grounded in the principles of Creative Health, recognising the important role that dance, creativity and human connection can play alongside health and care supporting wellbeing, reducing isolation and helping people to live well with dementia.

​

Not sure which class is right for you?

We'd be very happy to help. Call us on 07490 374 717 or email info@dancenetworkassociation.org.uk, and a member of the DNA team can help you find the most suitable session.