Testimonials

Hear from our Sound Movers

Thank you Gail so much for the Video link. I will look forward to perfecting these dances but more importantly I’ll still be able to enjoy staying fit.

VC, 74, Active dance participant

I love my chair dancing; I really look forward to it. My friends ask, “where do I go to do it” and I reply” I don’t even leave home, I sit in my lounge room and take a trip down memory lane, exercising to the old music of my youth”. I loved dancing, thank you dear Jess for a very pleasant hour.

BR, 83, zoom seated dance participant

Thank you to everyone for keeping me going. I would prefer Zoom classes as I have a very poor immunity system due to chemo. I don’t drive anymore and would be dependent on my husband. I felt independent and confident doing the zoom class. The chat rooms at the end are great.

LG, zoom seated dance participant

I enjoy Julie’s classes because of the way in which they have been structured to ease us (and our bodies) into reaching stronger physical movement, starting at the beginning of each class and progressing through the session. Ultimately, I have not only become stronger, but my balance has improved with every lesson.

LL, 83, Seated to Standing dance participant

Our residents really enjoyed it, we had people there that moved their bodies more than what they would of in a normal exercise session, I had some fantastic comments from residents and our physio on how much they enjoyed it and can’t for next week.

Sharon Larke - Anglicare Aged Care Lifestyle Coordinator

I would highly recommend Gail’s dance classes to everyone! She tailors her classes for each individual attending to maximise their participation and takes into account any particular needs they have. The participation, retention and health outcomes for clients, I believe, far out way many other conventional therapy approaches.

Lacey Styles, Occupational Therapist

Well, I’m a post-polio, and I thought well I wouldn’t mind dancing even though I can’t walk properly. So I kept coming and I never missed a day and I’m pleased to say I used to fall over quite regularly each year but since dancing I haven’t had 1 fall in over 5 and a half years! The whole class to me – it’s a joyous class of music, dance and fun!

TP, 77, Seated to Standing dance participant

Dance is different than other aerobic exercise because you’ve got to use your brain so much. You can’t just go for a walk and zone out. You really have to concentrate and focus and it’s completely new. It’s a fun exercise that’s also stimulating my brain. That’s my main personal motivation for doing dance.

DH, 70, Active & Agile dance participant

It’s also a sense of belonging. You get to know the other people in the class, and you exchange little bits of your life with them. So that’s really good. A sense of community which is really important in these days of loneliness where a lot of people are at home very alone, so getting out and doing something like dancing is really good for community.

DT, 75, Active & Agile dance participant

It’s great for my mind, body and spirit. I can’t practice yoga anymore because of all my rheumatoid arthritis and other health problems, but this I can manage and I love it.

MB, 75, Active dance participant

It’s the highlight of my week! Doing dance lifts my spirits and lasts the whole week. It’s helped me get over grief. It’s fun and when you achieve these little steps and these little routines, it feels like you’ve conquered the world, but you’ve just conquered a dance step.

KR, 67, Active & Agile dance participant

For dance with Parkinson’s for me, it’s really good the way Gail takes you through step by step. It’s good for my balance. It’s good for co-ordination. She has fantastic music and I know most of the songs so it’s really good to be able to sing along.

RH, 69, Seated to Standing dance participant

Gail’s classes are well structured, always within the capacity of the participants and highly enjoyable. Gail’s enthusiasm, wealth of dance experience, and expertise mean that we are encouraged to explore a wide variety of dance styles and movement vocabulary – classes are never boring. The broad selection of music chosen by Gail ensures continual variety and creativity in classes.

KG 62 yrs – Active & Agile dance participant and former Professor of Nursing

Whilst thoroughly enjoying the sessions, I was able to witness first-hand the knack Gail has in deftly combining physical and cognitive exercises, with individualised attention to work within each person’s limitations, within the context of dance. Her choice of music and delivery is so delightfully motivational. The benefits to my clients have been enormous.

Marian McCarter, Occupational Therapist

I so enjoy and benefit from your classes and appreciate how the exercises are designed to make us stronger, better coordinated, and are great for our balance, as well as being fun. I feel so good after the classes! Due to your career in ballet, I find it inspirational following your graceful moves.’

RS, zoom seated to standing dance participant

Without you Jess I would never have danced again! I also thought I was in the running for a new job on stage!! Lots of fun with your oh so skilful routines, loved it and you!

Cherrie, Stroke recovery dance participant

I express my endorsement of Jessica’s involvement and experience in quality arts health programs utilising movement and music as a beneficial multi model intervention. Dance4wellbeing has been at the forefront of promoting health and well-being through dance for individuals with Parkinson's disease, Stroke and dementia. The commitment and dedication exhibited by Jessica in advancing this cause has been exemplary.

Professor Michael Nilsson MD PhD, Director, Centre for Rehab Innovation (CRI) and Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Newcastle

I have worked closely with Jess during her time contributing to the development and implementation of the Hunter Medical Research Institute and Hunter New England Local Health District sponsored ESTEEM After Stroke Research Program - ESTEEM Program. I have no hesitation in supporting and acknowledging the essential work and advocacy of Dance4wellbeing and the need to seek funds to support and grow such important work and accessible programs for our region.

Dr Heidi Janssen, Physiotherapist and Clinical Researcher (University of Newcastle/HMRI)