The Moving Minds project was
founded in 2016 by Elaine Harvey,
Senior Lecturer in Theatre and Dance. The project contributes to a growing body of research that demonstrates that, for people living with dementia, participating in dance activities has several physiological and psychological benefits including: stress reduction, encouraging social interaction, maximising cognitive function and reinforcing a sense of identity.

Moving Minds is an innovative project that creates opportunities for people affected by dementia to participate in weekly dance and improvisational movement sessions. Moving Minds sessions explore how dance, with its focus on touch, reciprocity and connection, might facilitate a greater awareness of non-verbal expression and communication in the context of a condition in which spoken language can prove problematic.

The focus during sessions is on playfulness, social engagement and autonomy. Activities are participant-led with the focus placed on the abilities that people have; acknowledging and witnessing individual responses and ways of moving.

Participants are accompanied by spouses, friends and family, who dance with them as part of a community that acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of every individual.

The sessions are held in the beautiful dance studio at York St John University

• Every Wednesday within term time
• Between 1:30pm - 2:30pm.

There is time afterwards for refreshments.