Dance for Parkinson’s is a partnership between Mumo Creative, English National Ballet and Oxford City Council that offers creative dance sessions to promote the physical and mental health of people living with Parkinson’s. Sessions are led by dancers and a musician with specific training in music and dance for people with Parkinson’s. The class is extremely popular and currently oversubscribed. Mumo Creative was very happy to be awarded a grant from the Connected Communities Fund that has enabled them to cover their costs for the summer term, while they await further funding decisions from other bodies.
On the morning of my visit, as I approached the Wesley Methodist Church in Oxford where the weekly classes are held, I could hear the rousing notes of a piano and I knew I’d come to the right place. As I entered the bright and spacious hall, I could feel a buzz of excitement amongst participants and volunteers, eager for the class to begin.
We chatted briefly and it was clear that they loved coming. One said, “it doesn’t matter how immobile or shy you are, the quality of the facilitators and live piano music takes you to another place!” Other descriptors included ‘stimulating’, ‘energising’, and ‘inspiring’ and “better than any medicine!”
Another person I spoke to said that in addition to the health benefits, it was an opportunity to socialise, make friends and share experience and coping strategies, both for people with Parkinson’s and for their partners and carers. A third person felt that the caring and thoughtful approach taken by the facilitators was a real strength and meant that people at all stages of Parkinson’s could join in.
Roosa, one of the lead artists, told me that regular participation can strengthen muscles, improve joint mobility, balance, posture and gait, and can keep the heart healthy and happy. In addition, the sessions can help maintain mental and cognitive wellbeing. Learning and repeating routines and movements can improve memory functions, while the creative element of dance can help maintain problem-solving and decision-making skills, and provides a way to express emotions and feelings, which is especially helpful when means of communication are impaired.
Sound, vocal work, breath and mindfulness techniques further support mental wellbeing and offer tools for stress release.
The group is very proud to have been selected as finalists in the MJ Achievement Awards 2025 for public / private sector innovation and partnerships.