In collaboration with the founder of Fireflies Fitness, Natalie Hall, Royal Academy of Dance now offers – free of charge – ballet classes for the cancer community regardless of level of dance experience.
Hall is also a registered teacher of Royal Academy of Dance as well as a breast cancer survivor. After her diagnosis in 2019, she wanted to share the benefits she has gained by staying active during her treatments and self-care regimen, so she studied to become a Personal Trainer and a Level 4 Cancer Exercise Specialist.
Benefits of Dance Classes for the Cancer Community
The Monday morning classes held at RAD’s headquarters in Wandsworth, London, are aimed at providing a safe space for those diagnosed with cancer.
Mel, a class participant expresses:
“We hold each other. Even though it’s not a talking therapy or art therapy, it is therapy. We support each other. We’re in tune to each other’s movements, emotions – it’s really lovely. The classes are helping with mental health, and my balance and memory have improved.”
According to the Royal Academy of Dance, these classes provide many benefits that support:
- A reduction in side effects
- A better quality of life
- Faster recovery times
- A reduced risk of recurrence
- Cancer-related cognitive impairment
- The improvement of mood and reduction of stress, and improved confidence
Featured Photo of Natalie Hall and RAD teacher Poppy Barnes with participants of ballet classes for the cancer community. Courtesy of Royal Academy of Dance (RAD).
