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Parkinson’s will affect one in 37 of us in our lifetime by 2025.

Blackwood Miners’ Institute has been working with National Dance Company Wales, as well as English National Ballet, to host a weekly Dance for Parkinson’s hub.

Since 2018, instructor Yvette Halfhide and vocalist Helen Woods have been helping those in and around Blackwood deal with Parkinson’s through singing and dancing classes. 

Parkinson’s disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years. It affects muscles which in turn can restrict movement and speech.   

After a successful pilot scheme in London, Yvette told Caerphilly Observer how beneficial the scheme has been to members: “We focus on both dance and vocal work to try and tackle some of the more common symptoms such as trembling.

“We try to disguise the benefits of the workout through dance so that participants can enjoy it and socialise with others in a similar position.”

The music and dance moves are usually pulled from renowned ballet performances before they are reconstructed to help tackle key muscles commonly affected by Parkinson’s.

Maureen Peddle, a regular of the group, spoke about how her mobility had started to decline since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

She said: “When movement became a problem and my muscles weren’t responding quickly enough, I found this class a great help.

“It was difficult through lockdown when this wasn’t available. I had a fall early this year which is common with Parkinson’s, it’s great to get back.”

The class – which is held every Wednesday morning between 10 and 11.15 – is just one of several ways the institute is trying to become more inclusive, according to marketing officer Craig Clarke.

“As well as the Parkinson’s class, we have an upcoming production performed solely by disabled actors and another for a deaf audience,” Craig said.

“We want the theatre to be for everyone,” he added. 

With more than 7,000 people in Wales currently suffering with Parkinson’s disease, Yvette encouraged more people, especially men, to get involved in the classes.

Group member Maureen said: “The classes have really helped me get my confidence back. You feel the ache the next day but you also feel better in yourself.”

Visit Blackwood Miners’ Institute Facebook page for more details about the class.