Trial dance classes specifically designed for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) were successfully trialled in the spring, thanks to generous charity funding from the League of Friends at Teddington Memorial Hospital.
Combination Dance ran two tailored classes at Richmond Rehabilitation Unit. Class 1 focused on lower-body strength and balance for individuals able to stand. Class 2 offered a seated option, focusing on posture and strengthening the arms, back, and core.
Cate Campbell, Richmond Specialist Rehabilitation Services Manager: “The initiative proved to be an invaluable resource, offering patients both physical and emotional benefits. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the fun, community spirit, and confidence the classes inspired.”
Both sessions included gentle full-body mobilisation, stretching, and encouraged a positive mind/body connection – all set to upbeat fun music. To enhance the patient experience, the MS nurse and one of the physiotherapy team were present at the classes to answer any specific MS questions.
One patient who benefited from the class said: “Thank you to Janice (MS Nurse), Nasrin and Ciaran (Physiotherapists), Vicky (Therapy Assistant) and Priti (Administrator) for organising the recent dance class at the Richmond Rehab Unit. Really appreciated it, and thanks to our instructor Faye Rettie (Combination Dance), who did such a good job getting us all moving and having some fun at the same time.
“Was good to be challenged by some of the exercises, and I was inspired by some of the others in class, that despite the limitations brought on by the MS, really tried very hard to complete the exercises.”
Thank you to everyone who helped promote and support this initiative. We hope to secure further funding to run the classes during the autumn and, hopefully, beyond.