When and where does it take place? Sessions run every Tuesday, from 12-2 pm at Hornsey Vale Community Centre (HVCC), 60 Mayfield Rd, London N8 9LP
Is the centre accessible for people with mobility issues? The centre is accessible at ground level and has internal ramps for wheelchair users. It also has accessible toilets.
What transport links are available? HVCC is close to bus routes 41, 91, W3, W5. It is a 15-minute walk from both Harringay and Hornsey Rail Stations. It is easily accessible to areas such as Crouch End, Muswell Hill, Finsbury Park, Wood Green, Tottenham and Archway.
Is there parking? There are resident parking restrictions from 12 to 2 pm, but parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
What is the structure of the sessions? The session is divided into a Dance activity (12-1 pm) and a Social “bring your own lunch” time (1-2 pm).
The sessions start with the Dance activity delivered by a professional PD dance teacher. Participants can join in sitting or standing movements.
This is followed by a Social “bring your own lunch” time (1-2 pm), both for people with PD and their carers/partners. Attendees are invited to bring their own lunch and will be offered a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits. This social time provides a chance to rest and relax after the activity and to chat with the other attendees. There is scope to play board games. Occasionally there will be external speakers, such as professionals working in Parkinson’s care, on issues related to the condition.
What kind of Dance is it? We practise a blend of gentle therapeutic movement, improvisation, and simple choreographic sequences that the teacher models and the participants follow, all adapted to each person’s abilities. It is less about technique and more about presence, playfulness, and connection. All this to great music!
Is the teacher experienced in working with people with Parkinson’s? The teacher is fully qualified with a Level 4 Certificate in “Approaches to Dance for people with Parkinson’s” and has over 15 years’ experience as a somatic movement facilitator.
What happens in the dance session? The class always starts with the teacher checking in with participants, asking directly how they’re feeling that day, both physically and emotionally. We ask about sensations in the body, balance, and general energy levels. This helps us attune to where each person is and create a supportive environment from the start. From there, it gradually moves into the dance, often starting with gentle, grounding movements, a sitting-down warm-up (breathing exercises and mindfulness, slowly moving arms and legs). It then progresses to a standing up position by the chairs (more extended movements, involving also the head and torso) and finally to moving around the room with directed and freer movements, more active if the participants feel able to do so. Participants are reminded that they can remain seated or return to their chair if necessary. The movements are done to a great playlist and build up to a joyful finale.
Is the class very strenuous? The level of intensity of the activity is gentle to moderate, always adaptable to individual needs. The teacher closely observes participants’ energy, breath, movement quality, and gives feedback throughout the session.
Is the activity suited for people with some mobility issues? Yes, the class caters for people with Parkinson’s who have balance issues, freezing gait, body stiffness, and also for elderly and frailer people living with Parkinson’s. It is conducted in such a way that it accommodates people’s various mobility challenges, allowing them to take part in line with their own level of mobility, both in general and on the day.
Participants can remain seated throughout the whole session or, if necessary, return to their chair at any point. The teacher is fully qualified to run a class aimed at people with PD, well experienced in working with people with limited mobility and constantly checks that the participants are not experiencing difficulties with the movements. The volunteers are also always at hand to help if necessary.
Do I need to know how to dance? No previous experience necessary.
What shall I wear? Normal clothing is fine, as long as it does not constrict movement. Avoid anything that you can trip over or get entangled, such as long skirts or very wide trousers, for instance). Wear flat, non-slip shoes or trainers. Sometimes the class is done barefoot. In winter, wear an outer layer that you can remove easily in case you get hot during the exercise.