Parkinson's communities encouraged to try innovative Leeds movement project

Developed by Harmony in Motion, associate artists at Stage@Leeds. Harmony in Motion is an artist-led organisation bringing movement, sound, art and care into the same room. 

It will start on Friday June 19, from 1.30-3pm and running for six consecutive weeks at the Clothworkers South Building, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT.  

The new sessions will explore the relationship between movement and sound. Utilising groundbreaking wearable technology that makes sounds as you move.

Coming together as a group participants will find meaningful ways of moving and creating sound. 

Louise McDowall, Creative Director at Harmony in Motion, said:  “We are very excited to be bringing this new initiative to Parkinson’s communities.

"We have really enjoyed developing this practice and can’t wait to share it.”

Parkinson’s Steppers is specifically designed for people living with Parkinson’s and their carers to move more. It is also the first project of its kind in the UK. 

No previous experience is required. 

Friendly and experienced instructors are on hand to show participants how to wear the technology and how to use it most effectively, and the emphasis of each session is to be active in a creative and social way. 

The Parkinson’s Steppers sessions are part of a new six-week pilot programme with participants encouraged to provide feedback, which will inform the next phase.

The spokesperson added: "Being active can be one of the best ways to live well with a long term health condition, such as Parkinson’s, and the some of the benefits can include: improved balance and coordination, better strength, flexibility and mobility, improved sense of wellbeing and mindfulness, better memory and cognitive skills, greater social interaction, improved speech and communications skills."

Booking is essential. For more information about the Parkinson’s Steppers classes, contact [email protected]