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Benefits of DNA dance classes for those living with Dementia and Parkinson’s

Imagine a space where people sing along to the music played in a class out of memory and habit; people from all backgrounds come together to move, make friendships, and share moments of joy. That’s exactly what you’ll find in the Dance Network Association’s Dancing with Dementia, Good Graduate Company, and Dancing with Parkinson’s classes—a place where it’s more than just dance; it’s a way to connect with yourself and others. 



Good Graduate Company, Brentwood 
Good Graduate Company, Brentwood 

Our classes offer a welcoming, judgment-free environment where everyone is encouraged to move at their own pace. Whether it’s a small tap of your toes or a big sweeping movement with your whole body, it’s all about finding joy in the movement, not perfection. 


"Initially, B did not fully engage in the warm-up activities and kept her arms crossed. However, as the session progressed, she started to tap her feet, signalling some degree of emotional and physical engagement. At the end of class, B expressed how much she enjoyed the session and could not wait to return next session. Although B began as a passive observer, the gradual involvement through tapping her feet indicates that she became more engaged as the session progressed and mentioned this herself at the end, saying she was already looking forward to next session." 


Our classes offer a low-pressure environment where participants can move at their own pace. Gradual involvement help participants break out of their shells, potentially improving mood and providing mild physical activity without overwhelming them. The atmosphere is light-hearted and uplifting, with music that sparks memories and encourages smiles. As one participant put it,  "My face hurts so much from smiling—this was a real joy." 


Don’t quite believe us? Science backs up that dance is transformative! Research has shown that dancing regularly can improve coordination, balance, and gait, which are often areas of difficulty for those with Parkinson’s or Dementia. Studies also highlight that dance stimulates areas of the brain associated with memory and multitasking, making Dance Network Association’s creative dance classes for adults and those with lived conditions a unique activity that bridges both physical and cognitive health. For example, a study by Cheshire Dance reported that creative dancing is the most effective intervention to reduce the risk of dementia onset, achieving a 76% risk reduction score. 


Dancing with Parkinson’s, Colchester (Rachel Cherry)
Dancing with Parkinson’s, Colchester (Rachel Cherry)

Dance is also a wonderfully creative outlet. In our sessions, choreography isn’t about getting every step right; it’s about having creative input, coming up with the steps or improvising through your own body and making your own choices. This creative process engages the brain, encouraging problem-solving and self-expression, which can help counter the cognitive decline associated with conditions like Dementia.  


Ian Rogers, the East of England Development Manager from Parkinson’s UK, visited DNA’s Dancing with Parkinson’s class recently and expressed “The class is so much MORE than what I feel a lot of people would expect” he observed that “there is an overriding theme of a social meet” alongside all the physical elements of the session. He went on to say “you end up with this hour and a half session which benefits movement, speech, muscles and movement, cognitive function, memory and coordination which again isn't always represented when people say 'dance class'”  


Parkinson’s Care and Support UK highlights that dance can support people living with Parkinson’s by developing confidence, strength, and providing opportunities for creativity and self-expression, while also relieving symptoms in everyday life. According to Henry Ford Health, the repetitive movements in dance help individuals with Parkinson's disease develop muscle memory, enabling them to apply these movements to everyday tasks such as walking with more stability, standing up from a chair more easily, reaching for objects with more control, and buttoning a shirt with better dexterity. 


The benefits aren’t just physical or cognitive—they’re emotional too. Moving to music can elevate mood by boosting levels of dopamine and serotonin, the "feel-good" neurotransmitters. This is particularly valuable for those with Parkinson’s, as dopamine production naturally decreases with the progression of the condition. Dance and music provide a way to reconnect with those joyful feelings. One participant summed it up simply: "I really enjoyed it, and the music was 11/10. I used to be a dancer." 


Dancing with Dementia, Colchester 
Dancing with Dementia, Colchester 

Caregivers and companions are also a vital part of our sessions. Sharing the experience creates special moments of connection, while also giving caregivers a chance to relax and enjoy themselves. Dance has even been shown to alleviate stress and reduce symptoms of depression for carers, offering them a much-needed respite from their daily routines. One of our Good Grads Company dancers said  “When I first came to the sessions, I thought I would just be there as a companion for my mum, making sure she was comfortable and happy. But what I didn’t realise is how much I would get out of it myself. It’s become something I truly look forward to – not just for her sake, but for mine as well”  


These sessions are more than just a dance class—they’re a reminder of the joy that can be found in the moment, the connections we can make, and the strength of community. 


Whether you’re living with Dementia, Parkinson’s, or another neurological condition and / or caring for someone who is, the Dance Network Association’s classes offer a safe and aspiring space to share the joy of movement and make new friendships.  


We look forward to welcoming you into our dance space.  


Written by Karen Pratt ‘Dancing for Joy’ Programme Manager  

To find details about our classes please visit our website 

Or contact us 

Call: 07490 37 47 17  

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