People living with Parkinson’s across the South West are being encouraged to explore the power of dance through the Let’s Dance campaign, which is encouraging people to dance on Sunday 8 March and highlighting how movement to music can support physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection.

Parkinson’s affects movement, balance and coordination and staying active helps people manage day-to-day challenges. Dance offers an enjoyable way to move, with evidence showing it can support balance, mobility, confidence and brain health.

Moving to music can support walking and reduce freezing, while learning steps helps stimulate the body and brain.

Dr. Justin Varney Bennett, Regional Director of Public Health, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), South West said:

“Living with Parkinson’s can bring daily challenges especially as physical and cognitive symptoms often change day to day.

“Dance offers a supportive and welcoming way for people to stay active, build confidence and connect with others and most importantly it’s fun. Whether you are dancing in the living room with an online group or joining in-person getting into a bit of dancing regularly has been shown to have a real impact on symptoms and wellbeing for people with Parkinson’s, it’s also great way to get active for the rest of us as well, because every move matters!”

Anna Yarker, Specialist Physiotherapist for Movement Disorders at North Bristol NHS Trust said:

 “We know that regular exercise is essential for managing and living well with Parkinson’s and dance brings together strength, balance, cardiovascular fitness and social connection in one activity.

“It supports both physical and mental wellbeing, which is why I encourage it, along with other forms of physical activity.”

Sarah Hartley, who is a dance instructor for two Parkinsons dance clubs in Gloucestershire brings people living with Parkinson’s together in a supportive, welcoming environment and has seen the impact of dance first hand:

“It has been my absolute privilege to deliver these sessions in Gloucestershire, helping to ease and manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s for those that attend my classes each week, through teaching and focusing on the joy of dance.

“Seeing the impact this has had on my participants only inspires me to continue my work in this area. It is so much more than a dance class, the sessions provide vital support and most importantly lasting friendships and connections for all those who attend.”

Chris Carter, a member of the Parkinsons dance club in Winchcombe said:

“I have been attending Parkinson’s dance class for around six years, and they help me with my movement and flexibility. I feel joining the group has helped me on the social side of the illness mixing with others who have the same disabilities. It encourages me to do the exercises at home and my movement has improved.”

Across the South West NHS partners, community venues and local organisations are increasingly using dance as part of a wider, inclusive approach to physical activity. Sessions can be tailored to different stages of Parkinson’s and adapted to individual needs, making dance an accessible option for people who may find other forms of exercise challenging.

The Let’s Dance! campaign reinforces that movement does not need to be intense, competitive or structured to be beneficial. For people living with Parkinson’s, even small amounts of regular movement can make a meaningful difference, and dance offers a way to move that feels motivating, social and uplifting.

The campaign sits within national physical activity guidance and the South West Every Move Matters physical activity approach, encouraging people to find movement they enjoy and can sustain over time. For those living with Parkinson’s, dance can be a powerful reminder that movement is still possible and that it can be shared, supported and enjoyable.