Dance is a unique vehicle, naturally combining multiple approaches to movement and exercise, building confidence and an improved quality of life. With thanks to Rotary, it is continuing to spread across Canberra’s older populations!
ZEST: Dance for Wellbeing was born in 2021 in Canberra, from the Dance for Wellbeing program that started at Belco Arts Centre in 2013, with the innovative and internationally recognised Dance for Parkinson’s program initiated by Philip Piggin, then BAC Community Cultural Development Officer.
Since then, ZEST has become recognised nationally as an exemplar in the field of dance for health and wellbeing, and continues to grow under the professional dedication of the ZEST Team – Jacqui Simmonds, Jane Ingall, Debora di Centa and Philip Piggin, all teaching dance artists with many years of experience working in both Australia and overseas. It now delivers over 12 regular dance classes across the ACT, in arts centres, community centres and retirement villages.
ZEST classes for adult Canberrans, and for people living with Parkinson’s and their carers, will re-commence from Monday 5 February this year. And ZEST is especially delighted to welcome the Rotary Club of Ginninderra as a partner in the provision of their newest class, taking place at The Ginninderra Labor Club, 40 Lhotsky St, Charnwood, on Thursdays from 1.30 – 2.30pm. Refreshments will be provided afterwards, and the first class of the year on Thursday 7 February will be FREE!
BACKGROUND
ZEST classes are designed specifically for adults who want to experience the joy of dancing, and keep their body and brain as active and healthy as possible, regardless of their mobility, skill or age. It involves seated and standing options throughout, and no previous dance experience is necessary.
Research increasingly validates the unique role that dance provides, in integrating exercise for the body and the brain, all within a supportive social environment. It ticks all the boxes for health and wellbeing!
For further information and/or to register for ZEST classes: