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Dance for Parkinson's

Research suggests dance can improve cognitive performance and reaction times, making it a useful treatment for a number of conditions, including arthritis, dementia, depression and Parkinson’s Disease.

In 2013, Queensland Ballet launched a pilot program offering specialised dance classes to people with Parkinson's Disease, based on the internationally recognised Dance for PD® program.

Dance for Parkinson's

Pilot program

The pilot program ran from October 2013 – July 2014, where Queensland Ballet partnered with the Queensland University of Technology – Creative Industries (Dance) and Health (Movement Neuroscience), and the University of Queensland – Health and Behavioural Sciences (Physiotherapy) faculties to conduct initial research into the effects of these dance classes.

This was the first study of its kind in Australia with results concluding that classes affected people living with Parkinson’s in multiple ways - including valuable physical, emotional, social, and cognitive benefits.

read the pilot report

#Class costs

Anyone living with Parkinson’s, their carers, partners and friends, are welcome to participate in these wonderfully immersive artistic experiences.

Queensland Ballet’s Dance for Parkinson’s classes are delivered in partnership with Dance for Parkinson’s Australia.

When: classes are held weekly on a Saturday from 11.45am - 1pm

Casual Single Class $15

4 Class Package $40 

10 Class Package $ 100

(These class packages are only available for Dance for Parkinson’s classes)

Guest / Carer

Class costs are inclusive of bringing one support worker/family member per participant.

Queensland Ballet are now able to offer Dance for Parkinson's classes at a subsidised rate, in thanks to the generous support of Queensland Health, as part of the Van Norton Li Community Health Institute.

Read terms and conditions here.

Here's what participants are saying

“Without [Dance for Parkinson’s] my life would be quite different. It keeps me noticeably more flexible and balanced… [I am] more cognisant of my facial expressions, each arm movement and finding my core strength. I leave each class lighter, happier and grateful to have a shared sense of belonging."

- Yvonne Muller

“When I am in the class, I forget I have PD. Everything feels back to normal. Everyone is smiling which makes me happy too. I don't trip up as much and there are class volunteers to assist you. Dance for Parkinson's has changed my life for the better. I have made good friends.”

- Peter Thomas

“The Queensland Ballet Teaching Artists are so gentle, professional and provide an uplifting program. I love the live music! It is so uplifting for my soul and makes me float into a wonderful mental and physical space. The impact it has on my physical and mental well-being gives me fuel for the coming week.”

- Peter Fahey

“I have been attending since 2015 and it's the highlight of my week. There is a strong sense of community and friendship. The classes provide us with many physical benefits. More importantly, I leave the classes with a sense of calmness and wellbeing along with energy to tackle the week ahead.”

- Julie Trewin

"I just love it! From the Teaching Artists, volunteers and my fellow participants, to the creativity and fabulous music. It is sublime. It is great to catch up with the other participents on a regular basis where we encourage and support each other.”

- Elisabeth Kurth

#The Thomas Dixon Centre, home to Queensland Ballet

406 Montague Road
West End 4101

parking information

For additional parking and accessibility information please call 07 3013 6666

#Queensland Ballet thanks The Cory Charitable Foundation

We warmly and gratefully acknowledge the support of The Cory Charitable Foundation, whose generous donations to our Dance for Parkinson’s and Community Engagement Regional Tour enables us to share the benefit and joy of our artform through two of our valuable health and community programs. Queensland Ballet is committed to making dance accessible for as many people as possible - our aim is to enrich lives and contribute to wellness across society. Donations like these have an incredible impact! In the words of just one of our Dance for Parkinson’s participants:

“the impact it has on my physical and mental wellbeing gives me enormous joy and fuel for the coming week…it is so important to my Parkinson’s management program and ongoing wellbeing”.

Our Community Engagement Regional Tour travels across Queensland bringing ballet to the bush for people of all ages and abilities. From tiny sun-drenched towns to bustling regional cities, The Cory Charitable Foundation’s donation enables tours to these regions by providing budget relief and supports the running costs.

With wellness and health at our heart, Queensland Ballet offers heartfelt thanks to The Cory Charitable Foundation for their generous support in these community-based initiatives.

If you would like to know more about how you can be involved in Queensland Ballet's philanthropic program, please call 07 3013 6660, email foundation@queenslandballet.com.au or click the button below to donate.

donate

#Discover more

FAQs

Everything you need to know to prepare for your class at Queensland Ballet.

Memberships

Queensland Ballet members receive 10% off select dance classes, among other benefits.

What's on

Queensland Ballet offers other one-off dance workshops and events throughout the year.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and perform. Long before we performed on this land, it played host to the dance expression of our First Peoples. We pay our respects to their Elders — past, present and emerging — and acknowledge the valuable contribution they have made and continue to make to the cultural landscape of this country.

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