Dance for people with Parkinson’s was developed by Olie Westheimer in Brooklyn, New York in 2002 with the Mark Morris dance company.  David Leventhal, (one of the dancers in the Mark Morris company) has been very involved with the programme, and has since collaborated with the English National Ballet (ENB).  In 2010 ENB developed a Dance for Parkinson’s programme in London.  Since then ENB have developed a national programme and courses for dance leaders and health professionals, and have researched the model of dance for Parkinson’s with Roehampton University.  A network has been developed, (Dance for Parkinson’s Partnership UK) - the aim is for every person who has Parkinson’s to have access to a high quality dance class in their locality.

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Kt and Jackie's Dance for Parkinson's classes.

These classes are for people living with Parkinson's and their partners / carers / friends.  They are for any age, and any ability.  You don't need to have ever danced before!  We use a variety of music and dance styles. We always start the warm-up sitting on chairs in a circle.  We do some dance in standing, and some moving around the floor - but all the dances can be adapted to be done seated if needed.

 

When and where?

Every Tuesday morning at the Riverside Leisure Centre, Cowick Street, Exeter. EX4 1AF  

Time: 11am - 12 noon. 

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Most Friday mornings from 11.15am for about an hour with social time and tea / coffee after.  St James Church hall, Mount Pleasant Road, Exeter EX4 7AH.  These will start on Friday 1st May 2026. The church hall is not available every Friday, so contact me to find out about dates.

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Cost?

If you want to come to just one session at a time, and pay as you come, the cost is £6 per session (or £10 per couple).

Or you can pay for 6 sessions at a time - £50 per couple, or £30 per person (sessions start on particular dates - I can let you know).

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Contact: 

Jackie Fowler: jackiesclass53@gmail.com    

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​​Anyone with Parkinson's is welcome - we always start the warm-up sitting on chairs in a circle.  We also do some dance in standing, and some moving around the floor - but all the dances can be adapted to be done seated if needed.  It's for all ages and all abilities.

We have a variety of dance styles, and a variety of music.  We hope to adapt to what people want and need from the classes.

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Jackie is a Dance for Parkinson’s trained dance instructor, and runs classes for people with Parkinson’s in Exeter.  Katie has now moved to Nottingham, but both still work together to produce new material and dances for the classes.

Katie and Jackie are both members of the Dance for Parkinson’s network, and professional members of People Dancing. 

Both trained with the English National Ballet Instructors.