Healing Through Dance: Gentle Movement Classes Boost Wellbeing at East Lothian Community Hospital

In a heartwarming collaboration between Dance Base and NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts, patients at East Lothian Community Hospital are now enjoying weekly gentle dance and movement classes that are making a remarkable impact on their rehabilitation, recovery, and overall wellbeing.

Held in the hospital’s community activity hall, the weekly sessions are specifically designed to support mobility, mindfulness, and social engagement. While most of the class is conducted in a seated position, patients are encouraged to stand when appropriate, participating in mobility exercises, engaging with tactile materials, and enjoying uplifting music that creates a multi-sensory experience.

These classes are a first for East Lothian Community Hospital and have quickly become an eagerly anticipated part of the in-patient activity calendar. Led by experienced dance and movement instructors from Dance Base, Edinburgh, the sessions are supported by nursing staff from the in-patient wards, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

One participant shared their joy after a session, saying,

That was fabulous, so much fun.”

This sentiment is echoed by nursing staff, who have seen a profound impact on patients’ wellbeing.

I haven’t seen her smile so much in days. It’s like a spark has been reignited in her. It’s wonderful,” one nurse commented.

Katherine Rothman, Dance Base’s Health, Wellbeing, and Engagement Manager, expressed her excitement about the initiative, saying,

Our dance classes offer an opportunity to be creative and playful while exploring different ways of moving. There have been sparks of magic, both big and small, throughout the sessions, and these groups have been a testament to the power of dance for physical and mental health. We’re so pleased to be a part of it.”

The positive effects of the programme are also recognized by local health leaders. Fiona Wilson, Chief Officer for East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, emphasized the importance of rehabilitative exercise, stating,

Enabling patients to participate in gentle movement is essential for recovery, improving balance, muscle strength, and mental wellbeing. It also brings patients together, fostering social interaction and providing a brief respite from the hospital setting. The joy that fills the room is palpable.”

Len McCaffer, Programme Manager at NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts, added,

Our Tonic Arts programme is all about enhancing the patient, staff, and visitor experience across NHS Lothian through creativity and the arts. This partnership with Dance Base is a shining example of how the arts can contribute to rehabilitation, wellbeing, and a sense of community within a healthcare setting. It’s wonderful to witness the positive impact these gentle movement classes are already having on patients.”

This inspiring partnership has been made possible thanks to the generous support of The Blythe Family Trust, part of a series of projects designed to enhance the experience of patients and their families. These initiatives focus on improving both physical and mental wellbeing, encouraging social interaction, and creating a sense of community within the hospital.