Scottish Ballet brings the health benefits of dance to your home
Scottish Ballet launches an expanded programme of ballet classes, community engagement programmes and health resources to bring the benefits and joy of dance to everyone!
Article Source: Scottish Ballet
Last Updated: 26 January 2021 9:47
Committed to connecting with communities, Scotland’s national dance company is offering a range of ways to improve physical and mental wellbeing, help alleviate stress on the body, and use creativity to inspire audiences of all ages.
A new programme of adult and children’s ballet classes are now on sale, offering the opportunity to learn from Scottish Ballet’s own company dancers. With a new term of online classes running February-April 2021, the courses will range from Absolute Beginners to Intermediate, bringing ballet directly into people’s homes. Participants of all abilities will be able to practice and perfect their technique via Zoom, and there are dedicated classes for 10-14-year olds and over 60s too.
The importance of movement for the body and mind is central in the pioneering work of the SB Health team, who launch a new series of online movement classes for people living with dementia, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s from Monday 1 February via Zoom. Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland, Elevate™ and Time to Dance form the SB Health programme that is sponsored by Baillie Gifford. Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland is run in partnership with Dance Base, Edinburgh.
Following the launch of the award-winning Health at Hand™ programme for frontline workers, Scottish Ballet is continuing to collaborate with NHS Scotland to create resources to help allevi-ate the physical and mental impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health at Hand™, the series of breath and movement resources created for NHS staff and keyworkers, which won the 2020 Achates Philanthropy Prize for Scotland, is now available to all online.
In addition, a pilot project will run in Erskine Home, Bishopton during February-March 2021 to reach those who are particularly isolated and vulnerable. A series of digital movement sessions will be offered in small groups and 1 to 1, to support physical and emotional health and wellbeing.
Dance is the creative tool woven throughout all the work at Scottish Ballet, and today the company launches two new creative engagement projects, Haud Close and the Safe to Be Me Festival, that aim to connect and inspire people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Haud Close is a multi-artform project inspired by Scottish Ballet’s film Haud Close Tae Me, initially created by filmmaker Eve McConnachie in 2017, with choreography by Christopher Hampson and poetry by Scots Makar Jackie Kay. Using the film’s resonating themes of connection, reflection and visibility, Haud Close brings together choreographer Jack Webb, visual artist Brian Hartley, and storyteller and dramaturg Philippa Clark, to work remotely with participants from Erskine Home, Bishopton and the dancers from Dance for Parkinson’s, Elevate™ and Time to Dance, to create three new dance films.
As part of the Haud Close project, a global callout is inviting people living with dementia, MS or Parkinson’s to submit a 20-second video, to feature in one of the new dance films. Deadline for submissions is Monday 22 February.
And finally, working with young people will continue as the ground-breaking programme Safe to Be Me™ moves online to formulate Safe to Be Me Festival 2021; a digital festival of dance to celebrate diversity, made possible with the support of Aberdeen Standard Investments.
Working with schools and groups throughout March 2021, the festival is an opportunity for young people aged 10 to 23 to engage with the programme’s focused areas of racism, homophobia, bigotry, ableism and transphobia. Delivered in line with key Scottish Government targets to address bullying in these areas, young people will explore themes of acceptance, identity and respect through creative multi-art form workshops, digital dance sessions and inspirational talks.
CEO/Artistic Director of Scottish Ballet, Christopher Hampson, said: “At Scottish Ballet, we are committed to connecting with our audiences and using dance to engage with our communities. We are dedicated to using our skills and expertise to support everyone, bringing the benefits of movement and the joy of dance to people of all ages and backgrounds during these challenging times.”
Catherine Cassidy, Director of Engagement at Scottish Ballet, said: “As we look to the new year, the SB Health team continue to focus our attention on connecting with people. Engagement work is vital in making a difference to communities, and we will continue to produce work that helps support people’s physical and mental wellbeing. We are proud of the work that we are offering to people across all areas of society, and will continue to use dance and movement as a connector to improve people’s health, and inspire creativity.”
Scottish Ballet invites people to join the SB community, to make the most of all these digital experiences and to stay up to date with Scotland’s national dance company. Anyone can sign up to join Scottish Ballet’s free Membership programme, and many of the dance classes are available exclusively to members.
For more information, visit: www.scottishballet.co.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Lanarkshire News
Topgolf launches exclusive experience inspired by The Fantastic Four: First Steps
The limited-time experience is the first-of-its-kind at Topgolf Glasgow in collaboration with Marvel Studios!
READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums
Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres
This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Play more, spend less at Topgolf Glasgow this Summer
Topgolf Glasgow is dialling up the fun with a fresh range of value offers launching throughout the summer, helping players maximise their experience by giving them more for less!
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland
Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MORE
East Kilbride shopper scoops prize for CHAS in Aldi Supermarket Sweep
One lucky East Kilbride winner has raised £739.03 for Children's Hospices Across Scotland while picking up the same amount in Aldi favourites for himself on the Supermarket Sweep challenge!
READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland
The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORE
Albino stage performer takes part in LIVE event with Amazonia to cure spider and snake fears
An Albino hypnotist and mind reader who was inspired by Derren Brown to launch a stage career has helped people to cure their fear of exotic spiders and snakes.
READ MORE
New Power Trail launches at New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde
A brand new 'Power Trail' has officially launched at New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde, exploring the remarkable story of waterpower, from 18th-century cotton mills to 21st-century renewable energy.
READ MORE
M&Ds lends support to unpaid carers
M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park is celebrating National Carers Week (9th to 15th June) by offering exclusive discounts to unpaid carers in recognition of the huge amount work that they do.
READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM
Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores
Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MORE
Paws, play and heritage on parade
Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MORE
Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party
Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.
READ MORE
How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler
Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.
READ MORE
Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.
READ MORE
Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open
Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!
Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!
READ MORE
Miss Rachel fever hits Scotland
Miss Rachel fever, the American YouTuber who creates baby and toddler learning videos, is sweeping Scotland.
READ MORE
Dig into summer fun at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.
READ MORE
Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland
Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.
READ MORE
Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland
Refugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.
READ MORE
Aldi Scottish Sport Fund offers Glasgow and West of Scotland clubs the chance to access funding
Aldi's Scottish Sport Fund 2025 has returned for its tenth year, giving local sports clubs in Glasgow and the West of Scotland the opportunity to receive a share of £50,000 in funding.
READ MORE
Amazonia appoints new education officer
Amazonia, a temperature controlled tropical indoor attraction within M&D's Scotland's Theme Park, has appointed Courtney Whiteman as an Education Officer.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links