Yorkshire Dance has announced the launch of DANCE ON, a new series of dance classes for older adults in Leeds and Bradford, including one in Middleton.
Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road, Leeds, LS10 4LF
Mondays from 7 January 2019 2.00pm – 3.00pm
The first session is free then £3.00 per session
Two newly-appointed dance artists – Laura Liddon and Ella Mesma – are working with various community groups to set up new classes across the two cities.
Designed to be a fun way to meet new friends, move to music and have a laugh, the sessions are targeting people over the age of 55, and are open to anyone.
Participants don’t need any experience of dance, and it’s possible for people even with limited mobility to take part, either standing or sitting.
Sessions are already running in Bradford at the Gateway Centre, Ravenscliffe, at BEAP Community Partnership, Cornwall Road, and at Mary Seacole Court, Park Road.
One group is currently meeting weekly at Otley Methodist Church. Four new groups will be launched in Leeds in January; at BAME in Chapeltown, Harehills Lane Baptist Church, at STEP in Upper Headingley and at Middleton Elderly Aid. Another launches in February in Holt Park.
Dance On is delivered by a partnership of One Dance UK, Yorkshire Dance and darts (Doncaster Community Arts) and funded by Sport England. In time, the partnership aims to be running dozens of groups across Yorkshire.
Dance artist Charlotte Armitage has set up four similar groups across Doncaster on behalf of darts (Doncaster Community Arts).
Anyone can attend their first Dance On session for free, and admission prices are being kept to a minimum to ensure that they are as accessible as possible.
Hannah Robertshaw, Programmes Director at Yorkshire Dance, says:
“We are delighted to launch Dance On as part of our rapidly expanding programme of work with older adults. We are dedicated to bringing the most artistic and joyful experiences to the communities we work with, and to seeing all the benefits of dance – companionship, fun, exercise and more – blossoming in all our new groups.”
Researchers from the University of Leeds are using the classes as a way of measuring, over the course of a year, how much dance can benefit the physical and emotional wellbeing of older adults.
Any venue or organisation interested in setting up a new Dance On group is invited to contact Adie Nivison at Yorkshire Dance: (0113) 243 9867 or adienivison@yorkshiredance.com
This post is based on a press release from Yorkshire Dance.