PD Moves and Mix (Dance Exercise Class)

PD Moves and Mix is a dance exercise class for Parkinson's followed by a social time. The sessions are aimed at people living with Parkinson's but are also open to their partners or carers. It comprises two parts:

• A one-hour session of somatic dance (12 noon to 1pm) to great sound tracks, led by a teacher with a Level 4 qualification in Dancing for Parkinson’s, also trained as a somatic and trauma-sensitive movement practitioner. This is followed by...
• A one-hour social time (1pm to 2pm) over tea/coffee and biscuits (provided by the organisers) where the participants can rest, relax and share social time while eating their own brought lunch.

Both parts are open to both people living with Parkinson's and their carers/partners. Partners can join in the dance class for the first hour (or if participation is very high, priority will be given to the person living with Parkinson's) or they can enjoy some quiet time or friendly chats in the adjoining room.

What is somatic dance?

The dance can be described as 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's less about technique or exertion and more about presence, engagement, coordination, connection, and confidence in movement. All this to great music!

Who is the dance session aimed at?

It's aimed at people with Parkinson’s who have balance issues, freezing gait, body stiffness, and also for elderly and frailer people living with Parkinson’s. It's 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.

The level of physical exertion is gentle to moderate, always adaptable to individual needs. The teacher closely observes participants’ energy, breath, movement quality, and feedback throughout the session.

The teacher always begins the session by checking in with participants - asking directly how they’re feeling that day, both physically and emotionally. She asks about sensations in the body, balance, and general energy levels. This helps her attune to where each person is and create a supportive environment from the start.

What does the dance session involve?

From there, there is a gradual transition into 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.

What clothing should be worn during the dance session?

No particular clothing is required, just comfortable, normal clothes that do not restrict movement or could cause the participant to trip over or get entangled (such as long skirts or very wide trousers, for instance) and flat, non-slip shoes, trainers or socks. Sometimes the class is done barefoot. In winter, it's advisable to wear an outer layer that can be removed easily if the participant gets hot during the exercise.

Social time

The second part of the session, the social time, provides the opportunity to relax, rest and have something to eat while sharing personal experiences and information with the rest of the group. Attendees are invited to bring their own lunch and will be offered a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits. Occasionally there are external speakers, such as professionals working in Parkinson’s care or areas of interest for the condition, such as nutrition or physiotherapy.

Venue and travel

The HVCA centre, where the activity takes place, is accessible at ground level and has internal ramps for wheelchair users. It also has accessible toilets.

It's close to bus routes 41, 91, W3, W5. It's a 15-minute walk from both Harringay and Hornsey Rail Stations. It's easily accessible to areas such as Crouch End, Muswell Hill, Finsbury Park, Wood Green, Tottenham and Archway.

There are parking restrictions at the time the activity takes place, but Blue badge exceptions apply.

Cost and registration

The cost of the activity is a voluntary contribution of £2. Currently, no prebooking is required, but attendants will have to register their details. This can be done via the HVCA website (https://hornseyvale.org/parkinsons-moves-mix/) or by providing their details at the session.