Organised by Dance and Sing for Parkinson's ScotlandRaising money to continue to offer our weekly Dance for Parkinson's classes at the Cochrane Hall in Alva. A vital class for those living with Parkinson's, their families and carers to improve their movement, mood and social support network.
Every Wednesday morning at the foot of the Ochils in Alva, a group of friendly people meet at the Cochrane Hall to dance, sing, chat and eat cake!
It was uplifting and made me forget at times that I had Parkinson’s. I didn’t realise that I had been so lonely until I went to this first class... The movements improve my Parkinson’s symptoms by helping with my stability and flexibility and I can now bend my knees and ankles without too much difficulty... The combination of movement and live music makes me feel good... The classes are the highlight of my week and I really miss them when they’re not on. - Billy, dancer since 2022.
The Dance for Parkinson's class in Alva began in 2019 as a Scotland wide initiative led by Scottish Ballet and Dance Base to establish dance hubs for those living with Parkinson's. Initially hosted by the Macrobert Arts Centre the class has grown into one of the largest classes in Scotland with 20-25 participants every week.
The class is led by Julie Symmonds who trained with David Leventhal in the USA, originator of the Dance for PD® programme . Julie is currently the only Certified Dance for PD ® teaching artist in the UK. Julie is assisted by local dance artist, and qualified Dance for Parkinson's practitioner, Grace Turner. Grace offers adaptations for those who would like simplified, slower or seated movement options. A highlight for many participants is our live musician David Farrell, who provides beautiful music to suit the dance exercises, singing and moods of the participants.
The live music is critical because it's not something that is regimented like recorded music. David can change, adapt and interrupt to suit the dancing. The program is underpinned by music choices to help movement. We notice that for some people it helps to have a beat and to sing a wee song in your head to get your feet moving. - Conversation between Gerry - dancer since 2022 and facilitator Julie.
Unfortunately due to the difficulty in securing long term funding the Macrobert Art Centre is no longer able to host the classes and therefore, the charity Dance and Sing for Parkinson's Scotland SC 053743 are taking on the organising and funding of future classes.
This funding campaign will allow us to bridge the financial gap, from the ending of Macrobert's support to the securing of a long term grant.
Alongside our teaching team we also have a group of loyal volunteers, local community dancers and carers to ensure smooth running of the classes and the safety of the participants. As well as setting up the social cafe for tea and coffee!
It's great to see how everyone eagerly arrives at the class ready to get started. Their enthusiasm is catching and makes it easy to smile week in week out and forget my troubles even if it is just for an hour... Our class is fun, active, social and full of optimism. Anyone joining the class, for the first time, is welcomed and quickly begins to feel part of the Parkinson’s community. It is a club that no one really wants to join however the bonds that form are true and strong. It’s a safe space where people living with Parkinson’s and their family member/carer can share experiences and find humour in challenging circumstances. I have made many new friends through the group and know that I can talk openly about my own struggle, as a carer, with my husband’s condition. - Alexis carer and volunteer
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