Leeds-based charitable dance company Ascendance is celebrating today after being awarded almost £50,000 in Lottery funding to support their ‘Dance with Parkinson’s’ on-line Zoom programme.
The funding will be used to offer more classes on-line via Zoom and reach more people affected by the condition. In more normal times, Ascendance runs five groups in Leeds and Bradford – one of which meets in Pudsey.
This unique programme is already seeing participants feel less isolated and has helped keep the community uplifted through these difficult times. The dance classes are upbeat and everybody has a positive attitude to getting through lockdown together.
Artistic director Rachel Wesson said:
“We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. Now, thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to offer our classes to more people with the condition and are now able to look at how we can get back to face to face classes again, whilst retaining the on-line offer and live streaming options.”
The organisation is particularly keen to hear from people with Parkinson’s who do not have access to a computer or tablet, or who are not on the internet and need the resources or support to do this.
All ages, young and old, are welcome to join in the fun, including carers and friends with or without dance experience.
The organisation also runs a volunteer programme, so if you have time to spare to help support the classes please get in contact.