Let’s Dance and Parkinson’s

To support Let’s Dance (8 March 2026) and raise attention of the benefits of dance for people living with Parkinson’s, a set of resources has been developed by the NHS.

The resources, set out below, are designed to support healthcare professionals, organisations and partners to better understand, communicate and share information about the positive impact of dance as an activity for people with Parkinson’s.

The information encourages people living with Parkinson’s (where appropriate) to consider dance as part of staying active, while supporting professionals to share consistent and evidence-informed messaging.

Dance is a powerful, enjoyable form of movement that can:

Improve balance, mobility, coordination, and confidence
Support brain health and reduce symptoms like freezing
Boost mood, social connection and overall wellbeing.

Dance is an accessible, adaptable option, suitable for different stages of Parkinson’s, and part of a wider inclusive physical activity approach across the South West.

Dance as part of Parkinson’s management, brings together strength, balance, rhythm, social connection, and supports both physical and cognitive health.

*Dance for Parkinson's, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust.*

Available Resources

This page includes links to the campaign resources including a clinical briefing, toolkit and video footage on dance and Parkinson's. Let’s Dance is a national campaign to inspire everyone in the UK to embrace dance as a way to improve their health, connect with others, and have fun. Founded by Angela Rippon CBE, the campaign is supported by leading organisations including the Sport and Recreation Alliance, NHS, and Parkinson’s UK.

The mission is to get more people dancing together, regardless of age, fitness level, or experience. Promoting Dance for People Living with Parkinson’s.

Clinical Briefing: Dance and People Living with Parkinson’s
This briefing supports health care practitioners to understand the role of dance as an element of therapeutic intervention for people living with Parkinson’s. It aligns with the national Let’s Dance campaign and the Every Move Matters regional campaign.

Slide set - Dance for Parkinson’s Patients
This slide deck summarises key messages and highlights the evidence base for dance in Parkinson’s, supporting awareness and discussion among healthcare professionals.

Slides on ‘Let’s Dance’ Improving Care for Parkinson’s Disease by Professor Camille Carroll
These slides are presented by Professor Camille Carroll (Professor of Clinical Neuroscience, Newcastle University; Honorary Consultant Neurologist at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; and Joint Clinical Director of the Parkinson’s UK Excellence Network). The slides focus on how dance and movement can support care for people living with Parkinson’s.

Together, these resources are intended to support consistent, evidence-informed communication about dance and Parkinson’s across health, care and community settings.

By bringing together clinical information, practical tools and real-world examples, they aim to make it easier for professionals and partners to engage with the campaign and share opportunities with people who may benefit.