Connect is a dance project for people living with neurological challenges, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease. The idea behind it came from Cathy Marston, ballet director of the Ballett Zürich, whose ballet The Cellist tells the life story of Jacqueline du Pré, who suffered from MS and died at an early age. In collaboration with several partners, a dance training program was developed for people managing neurological challenges, with musicians from the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich accompany individual sessions.

The training sessions are based on the established expertise of the Dance & Creative Wellness Foundation and are co-designed by members of The Field, an independent dance group. Following a successful pilot phase, this project – a first for Zurich and Switzerland – will be continued in the 2024/25 season.

Recent neurological research sees dance as an ideal intervention for neurological diseases and disorders such as MS or Parkinson’s disease. They emphasize the role of dance and music in overcoming physical barriers and improving psychosocial well-being and quality of life.

The Connect project’s creative practice and approach is grounded in evidence-based research at the innovative intersection of dance and neurology. Movement offers participants the opportunity to establish a connection with themselves and their environment. Dancing shapes and promotes expression, good posture, and creativity.

Starting in fall 2024, weekly training sessions will take place in three groups. These will be led by dance professionals with the specialist expertise. Musicians from the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich will provide live music in selected sessions. Connect 's training sessions focus on a choreography by the Ballett Zürich or a musical program by the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, spread over the course of several weeks. In the sessions, participants examine these works from different perspectives under the guidance of the teaching artists. This allows participants to immerse themselves in an inspiring musical and dance environment.

The experience is enriched by joint visits to rehearsals at the Opernhaus Zürich and the Tonhalle Zürich.

Weekly dance classes take place on Friday afternoons in the rooms of the Tonhalle-Gesellschaft.

Spaces for the 24/25 season are already fully booked, as many interested individuals have contacted us over the last few months to be put on the Connect waiting list.

Unlike in many other countries, there are still very few dance programs for people with Parkinson's in Switzerland. As far as we know, Connect is the only dance training program in Switzerland for people with MS. We recognize the strong interest expressed by individuals affected as a mandate to encourage other institutions and dance professionals to provide dance programs for people with MS, Parkinson’s, and other neurological conditions, not only in Zurich but across Switzerland, ensuring that as many individuals as possible can benefit from the opportunity to dance.

In the coming weeks, we will publish a link to other dance programs for people with neurological challenges here.

If you are interested in the project and dance offers in Switzerland, you can register here for further news.

The weekend offers a packed program: David Leventhal, co-founder of Dance for PD® and internationally recognized expert in teaching dance to people living with Parkinson’s, will lead an intensive one-day workshop on integrative dance practices. There will also be an input on the application of «Conscious Cueing» in dance classes.

During a network meeting, we would also like to discuss the urgent need for more dance programs for people with neurological challenges in Switzerland.

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Patronage

Cathy Marston, Ballet Director and Chief Choreographer Ballett Zürich

Ilona Schmiel, Intendant Tonhalle-Gesellschaft Zürich

Cooperation

• Tonhalle-Gesellschaft Zürich

• Opernhaus Zürich / Ballett Zürich
• The Field
• Dance and Creative Wellness Foundation, Clare Guss-West

Scientific Advisory Partner

• Neurology Clinic Universitätsspital Zürich: Parkinson Team and MS Team
• Elevate ® Scottish Ballet: Specialists in a dance program for individuals with MS

Supported by

• Parkinson Schweiz
• Nextherapy