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CNWL NHS Health Charity is proud to have funded a new community project bringing the transformative power of dance to individuals living with mental health conditions.
Running from 1 November 2024 to 31 January 2025, the programme forms part of the Royal Ballet and Opera’s (RBO) Creative Exchange Programme and is delivered in collaboration with CNWL Arts in Health.
This 12-week initiative offers participants from CNWL’s Community Mental Health Hubs the opportunity to explore how ballet and movement can support emotional and psychological wellbeing. The participants will attend workshops in a West End studio led by former Royal Ballet dancers with each session representing a safe, creative space for them to express themselves through dance.
The project will end in a group-devised performance titled "Alice Magic", inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, to be staged for family and friends at the Royal Opera House’s Paul Hamlyn Hall.
Participants, many of whom are new to dance, described the experience as “transformative.”
It’s been a real confidence builder. I’ve made some really good friends—which is the most important thing.
Really inspired by everyone and I think we all underestimate ourselves. It helps me and I believe it helps everyone to challenge their fears. Very inspiring. We all have our fears regardless of mental state and if you can challenge that you feel more empowered.
For CNWL NHS Health Charity, funding this project reflects its core mission: to invest in pioneering ideas that improve health and wellbeing for patients, staff, and communities, especially in ways that complement and enhance what the NHS can provide.
