Music and movement can transform a hospital ward. Dance sessions for patients offer more than just gentle exercise—they bring smiles, laughter, and a sense of community. Our sessions help patients express themselves, improve mood, and feel more connected during their hospital stay. Even a few minutes of movement to music can lift spirits, reduce stress, and remind everyone that healing involves both body and soul.
From the moment we enter a ward, the mood changes: the costumes we wear, the music choices, the decorated trolley, all work to lift the atmosphere on the ward.
Staff members comment how the sessions allow for a moment of fun and joy in their working day, and bring a positive benefit not just for the patients but for everyone on the ward.
We visit Southmead, the BRI and Weston General spreading joy every week through the wards and individual bays, reaching patients, carers and staff.
We bring people with Parkinson’s and their carers together to enjoy movement, music and self-expression in a non-judgemental environment.
We’re so grateful to have these projects currently funded by the Southmead Hospital Charity and by Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity respectively, allowing us to facilitate our particular brand of dance in medical settings.
At The Original Spinners, as a community dance company, we’re always amazed by the incredible power of dance, not just to lift people’s spirits but its ability to connect and to make a difference to the lives of those who take part.
Esme was a wonderful participant who danced with us for a few years. She was a beautiful, delicate dancer who would get really absorbed by the music. She was fun and we all had a big soft spot for her.
Grateful to receive a donation from the family of our late participant Chris Wright. Chris was wonderful, witty, funny, with a twinkle in his eye.
