Mental Health Awareness Week
Dance for Parkinson’s
Citymoves Dance Agency
Citymoves Dance Agency is a registered charity who provide dance classes for all ages and abilities. Having suffered an extended time of isolation due to the pandemic, Citymoves sought funding to support their Dance for Parkinson’s programme, to support the social, mental and physical wellbeing of those living with this condition in the city.
Dance for Parkinson’s is a national programme running throughout Scotland, initiated by Scottish Ballet and Dance Base. All tutors receive training specific to working with those living with Parkinson’s. This year thanks to the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, Citymoves were able to not only fund the class in their studio but also an additional class in the community to reach more participants and their carers in Aberdeen City.
Parkinson’s can range from a mild to debilitating condition where a reduced level of physical activity can have a significant effect on strength, mobility and posture. Dance for Parkinson’s aims to encourage those living with this condition to gain muscle strength and mobility through the movement of dance. As well as promoting good mental health, participants keep physically active through these classes.
Additionally, and just as importantly, the project acts as a community hub for those living with Parkinson’s. This frequent, weekly socialisation helps alleviate feelings of loneliness and social isolation amongst the dancers. They get to communicate with other like-minded, like-bodied people, find similarities in their situations and seek advice in relation to their condition.
Participant stories
The Dance for Parkinson’s sessions in Aberdeen provide a regular space for people with Parkinson’s, as well as their family members and carers, to connect in a welcoming, safe and inclusive space.
The participants value both the physical and mental wellbeing they gain from taking part.
Kate has only just started attending the Dance for Parkinson’s classes but has been made to feel very welcome by the community.
As someone recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Kate tries to keep as active as possible to avoid her muscles stiffening and seizing up; the Dance for Parkinson’s project helps Kate to keep physically active while being able to connect with others sharing her condition.
Kate’s Story
Listen to Kate’s story
Kate’s Story
Kate has only just started attending the Dance for Parkinson’s classes but has been made to feel very welcome by the community.
As someone recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Kate tries to keep as active as possible to avoid her muscles stiffening and seizing up; the Dance for Parkinson’s project helps Kate to keep physically active while being able to connect with others sharing her condition.
Listen to Kate’s story
Mo’s Story
Listen to Mo’s story
Mo has always loved dancing and has danced all her life. Dance for Parkinson’s classes have brought her closer to others and finds the classes a good way to meet people, socialise and to feel less isolated.
Mo found the lockdown to be a challenge at times but was grateful when the classes moved online. However she is now glad to be back at Citymoves to see others in person.
Listen to Mo’s story
Derek is a Citymoves regular and has attended Dance for Parkinson’s since they started.
He enjoys the sense of community and being able to connect with others through dance and likes how those who attend classes have developed a strong community.
Derek’s Story
Listen to Derek’s story
Derek’s Story
Derek is a Citymoves regular and has attended Dance for Parkinson’s since they started.
He enjoys the sense of community and being able to connect with others through dance and likes how those who attend classes have developed a strong community.
Listen to Derek’s story
Citymoves tutor stories
The tutor and volunteers from Citymoves who lead the Dance for Parkinson’s sessions see first hand the incredible benefits the classes bring to all those who attend.
They see the classes as safe and inclusive places, providing a space for people to connect and explore the physical and mental benefits of dance.
Amy’s Story
Listen to Amy’s story
Amy is one of the Dance Development Managers at Citymoves and is the lead tutor for Dance for Parkinson’s. She started as a volunteer for the class around six years ago where she trained alongside other tutors.
She feels the main aim of the group is to let people know they are not alone and provide a space for authentic interpersonal relationships to grow. She notices positive physical and emotional differences in all who take part and loves to be able to make a difference to people’s lives.
Listen to Amy’s story
Teegan started as a volunteer with dance for Parkinson’s around two years ago and has since become an assistant teacher.
She sees the classes as a safe environment where attendees can experience dance and music in a comfortable and inviting space, which is inclusive and encourages people of all ages and abilities to take part.Â
Teegan’s Story
Listen to Teegan’s story
Teegan’s Story
Teegan started as a volunteer with dance for Parkinson’s around two years ago and has since become an assistant teacher.
She sees the classes as a safe environment where attendees can experience dance and music in a comfortable and inviting space, which is inclusive and encourages people of all ages and abilities to take part.
Listen to Teegan’s story
Want to find out more?
Details of Citymoves’ Dance for Parkinson’s project, as well as details of their other classes and initiatives that connect communities and encourage people to explore all forms of dance, can be found online at
