Advanced Professional Development Intensive- Dance and Parkinson’s (Early Bird)

20–21 February 2027 | Lancaster

This two-day professional development intensive is designed for experienced dance artists and movement practitioners who are currently leading, assisting with, or teaching dance with, by and for people living with Parkinson’s. The course is also highly relevant to Artists, Somatic Practitioners and Dance Movement Psychotherapists seeking to deepen their understanding of embodied, neurologically informed practice.

Participants should have completed an appropriate foundation-level training programme, such as the Introduction to Dance for People with Parkinson’s Online Course. (or in-person), or have equivalent experience in the field.

Led by four internationally recognised specialists, these masterclasses offer an in-depth exploration of contemporary practice, bridging artistic, somatic and neurological perspectives. Through experiential learning, critical reflection and collaborative inquiry, participants will investigate:

• Advanced somatically informed approaches to dance practice with people living with Parkinson’s
• Co-created and participant-led methodologies that support agency, creativity and artistic expression
• The relationship between music, rhythm, imagery and movement generation
• Current thinking around neurology, neuroplasticity and movement disorders
• Creative adaptation, responsiveness and inclusive facilitation strategies
• Reflective practice, peer dialogue and the exchange of professional knowledge

The programme includes specialist contributions from Dr Mel Brierley, Helen Gould, Daphne Cushnie and Suzie Tate, alongside facilitated discussions, case-study exploration and opportunities to critically examine current practice within the field.

This intensive is designed not only to enhance practical skills but also to support participants in developing a deeper theoretical understanding, increased artistic confidence and an expanded professional toolkit for working in Parkinson’s dance practice.

Saturday 20 February
10:00am – 5:00pm

Sunday 21 February
10:00am – 4:30pm

• People Dancing Members: £250
• Non-members: £310

Early Bird Available until Sept 30th.