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Falling On Your Feet

Ongoing

A dance and health programme, co-curated with people aged 65+ who are living independently.

(Photography by Maria Maza)

Contexts:

Arts and Health / Aging

Falling On Your Feet weekly offers people aged 65+ the chance to work with professional artists to create dance together and express stories through movement while developing strength and flexibility, and making new friends.

Falling on your Feet began as a pilot commissioned by Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group with research by Northumbria university to evidence it’s outcomes.

It has now run since 2015 and gone from strength to strength across the North East region from Amble to Bishop Auckland, Middlesbrough to Wallsend.

It reduces the risk of trips and falls through creative movement, and regular workshops often lead to co-choreographed dance pieces that are shared with wider audiences. Every session offers crucial time to share socially which supports positive mental health and well-being.

Helix Arts has built an blended dance community for people aged 65+. Our free sessions take place at home and online. They are delivered by professional dancers to take people on both a personal and collective journey.

We know how important it is for people to feel connected right now, especially when many of us are having to self-isolate or shield at home. Many of us are:

  • Living alone
  • Away from family
  • Worried about feeling lonely
  • Suffering from lower physical health and fitness
  • Facing poor mental health and well-being
  • Losing connections with others

Every week participants join expert choreographers to take part in dance sessions.

For those taking part online, all that is needed is access to the internet and a laptop, tablet or mobile phone; with technical support available from Helix Arts if required.

Falling On Your Feet Film November 2021

An introduction to Falling on your Feet

Falling On Your Feet projects

2021-2022

Dancing with Light Falling on Your Feet at Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum part of Better Connect photo by Nigel John

(Photography by Nigel John)

2020-21

Falling on your Feet East Durham online

(Photograph by Helix Arts)

2019-20

Falling On Your Feet 2019

2018-19

Falling On Your Feet Amble 2018

(Photograph by Maria Maza)

2016-17

Falling On Your Feet Regional Rollout

(Photograph by Helix Arts)

'

“As a recently retired man ‘Falling On Your Feet’ has introduced me to fresh ideas and a new group of friends.”

Male participant, North Tyneside
Female Falling on your Feet Dancer'

“The dance artists bring the best out of us in a gentle, encouraging way and the improvement in my posture, confidence and general wellbeing since starting these classes had been of great benefit to me.”

Female participant, Durham

Downloads

Download our evaluation reports to learn more about the programme.

Join us on Facebook

We hope our regional ‘Helix Arts – Falling On Your Feet’ Facebook group can offer an online community too! This is for all participants and their families across our dance groups to keep in touch and share creatively during and after the pandemic.

Want to find out more about this or similar programmes?

Sessions take place every Tuesday afternoon at Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum.

Polly Turner
Creative Producer

E: polly.turner@helixarts.com
M: 020 4568 1151
FB: www.facebook.com/HelixArts

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