DanceWest, the community dance group based at the Lyric Hammersmith theatre. PICTURE: ELLIE KURTTZ
Need some air? Want to move to the beat?
Free pop-up dance classes are being organised in Ravenscourt Park by DanceWest, the community dance group based at the Lyric Hammersmith theatre, to boost mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s sports development team is committed to supporting local partners in delivering low, no cost activities for residents and has worked with DanceWest in delivering a variety of well-being dance projects in recent years.
Sessions for all ages
From 28 August to 19 September DanceWest will offer hip-hop, jive, jazz, salsa, modern and vintage dance sessions in the open air in Hammersmith.
There are also low-impact, gentler sessions for the over 55s (dubbed the ‘Bolder not Older’ category), in a full programme supported by the council’s sports development team combining dance, yoga, ballet and Pilates.
Younger dancers are not forgotten; there are classes to allow parents to boogie with babies, and for carers to share their moves with pre-school and primary-age children.
You have to pre-book and socially distance, with full details available here.
DanceWest’s project was one of six to receive funding support from the council to deliver activity sessions in its parks and outdoor spaces.
The council also opened-up its bookable pitches and courts to give free access to local youth projects.
Benefits of dance
“We recognise the benefits of dance to both physical and mental wellbeing for residents,” said Cllr Wesley Harcourt, H&F Cabinet Member for Environment.
“This has become acutely important during the Covid-19 crisis, where it has been vital for residents to stay active and healthy.”
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