The Impact of Dance On

On 20th May 2026, over 80 delegates from across the region, including Health and Social Care professionals, strategic leads from Arts Council England, Creative Practitioners, researchers, students, and individuals with lived experience, gathered at The Point in Doncaster for the second South Yorkshire Creative Health Conference.

Co‑created with Creative Health participants with lived experience of ill‑health, the conference featured lots of participant voice. Alongside the traditional presentations, plenaries and networking opportunities, delegates were also able to take part in workshops co-designed by participants, artists and researchers.

Perhaps the most moving and insightful parts of the day came when participants shared personal stories of their experiences of Creative Health in Doncaster. Many spoke of how taking part in creative activity has increased their confidence, resilience and fundamentally changed how they see themselves and their place in the community.

During the day three regulars from darts’ weekly Dance On programme were kind enough to share their stories with the audience and we’d like to share them again here, in their own words.

I was introduced to The Point by a lady who I met at yoga. She mentioned she went to a dance and exercise class, and as I love dancing and really needed the exercise, I asked if she minded if I tagged along with her next time she went.

The class was warm and welcoming and everything was going great until we were asked to congregate in one corner of the studio, and one by one, skip to the other side of the room. I froze. I just could not do it.

Luckily, a lady must have seen the fear on my face, so she took me by the hand and together, we skipped to the other side of the room. That was it, I was hooked and the rest as they say, is history. That was over 23 years ago, and I’m still here.

Over the years, the format hasn’t changed that much. It’s still a warm, welcoming and friendly group. We have lots of fun and I’ve met so many lovely people along the way. After every session, we meet up in the café for coffee and a natter, and to plan our next trips out.

We have weekly trips to the cinema – there are four or five die-hards who will go and see anything and everything – me being one! Others pop in and out, depending on which film’s being shown at the time. We have monthly trips out in the summer. We may go to the seaside or pop on a train to York Leeds, Sheffield, Beverly to name but a few. In the winter months we stay local – maybe pop to Meadowhall or jump on local buses. And all this, from one little Dance On class – amazing!

I’ve attended other classes held at The Point – the latest one being Breathe and Connect, I wasn’t too sure about this class at first, but as I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis, a lung complaint, I thought I’d give it a go and I’m so glad I did. The class was very informative, tranquil and friendly. I learnt many new breathing techniques and how to implement them. We did a little bit of mindfulness breathing, a little bit of movement and I found out how even singing and humming are very beneficial for clearing the airways – so much so that I’ve incorporated them into my everyday routines, much to the annoyance of my family let me tell you!

What more can I say about this little oasis we call The Point? When things haven’t been going so well for me and I’ve had my own problems, I’ve always made sure that I’ve left all my baggage at the front entrance and I can guarantee when it’s time to come back out and pick them up again, they always feel lighter. I’m in a brighter frame of mind, and I always have a spring in my step.

This has never, ever failed me, not once. For me, it's the whole package. A complete workout for my body, mind and spirit, and I hope to continue this journey at The Point for many, many years to come.

My mother was a diabetic, on insulin. Sometimes I had to give her injection, which was a pain for both of us. She flinched, I tensed, but we got through it. I always prayed that I would not become diabetic, so I changed eating habits: used the 3 -portion method on my plate, avoided my favourite desserts, and was certain that all was well – until a blood test told me a different story.

That was when I decided that exercise would help, but gyms didn’t excite – neither did walking – so I was looking for an alternative. When a Doncaster newsletter advertised Dance On, I figured, why not? So, I called a friend, told her about it, and we came in December 2025. It is a dance class, but with a difference. The objective is less about executing perfect moves and more about “let’s enjoy, do what your body allows and we will all improve”.

The Facebook description says:

“Dance On is your weekly dose of fun and friendship for over 50s. Whatever your ability you can take part in a way that works for you, whether that’s seated, standing or a mix of both.”

Some ads are only partly truthful. For me this is exactly what Dance On offers. Sometimes I get it, sometimes not. Sometimes I sit through a move, and no one comments or criticises. That works for me.

I have met new friendly people, my blood sugar is normal, and my pelvic floor is grateful too.

My story begins 3 years ago when I retired from being a teaching assistant in a school. I was so lost for 3 months, missing the children, and thought I had made a big mistake. I had previously been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in my knee and suffered with a lot of pain, which sometimes made it hard to walk. I used to love to walk around the lake with my son, but couldn’t always make it. I needed exercise.

My physiotherapist told me about Dance On for the over 50s and that is when things changed. The idea of it suited me because other sports didn’t interest me. I had always had a passion for dance since attending as a child to teenage years. Now I had to motivate myself to attend alone, which is always scary. It took a couple of weeks to pluck up the courage but finally I did. Am I going to make a fool of myself? Is anyone going to speak to me? Am I wearing the right clothes? This was so far from the truth.

Dance On is an hour of dance exercise to music of all types. The dance instructors are known as artists and the people who attend are so welcoming. The people are chatty, caring and helpful, and the atmosphere is one of fun. Some of us like to play ‘guess that tune’ and we are actively encouraged to sing along.

Every week you are reminded to listen to your body and work at your own pace. Some have hip and knee replacements; others have shoulder and back pain. We welcome others who have Alzheimer’s who visually show joy on their faces. You are given ways to adapt certain moves, standing using a chair as an aid, sitting down or taking a break, as and when you want to. Personally, this was great for me to improve so I could work through the pain slowly.

I enjoy it so much that I joined another [Dance On] group! What is so great about this is the difference in personalities and dynamics from one group to another. People go for different reasons. Yes, for the exercise, but also for the social side of things. Both classes meet for coffee afterwards and maybe cake!

After some time, my muscles around my knee strengthened and I was able to walk around the lake. I am even able to kneel down now and get back up unaided! My husband has seen such a difference in me that he now goes to Creative Directions, which includes music, art and writing.

This is not the end of my story by far, only the end of a chapter. Yes, my knee is so much better, but I am waiting for a shoulder replacement. I still attend Dance On and do the best I can, but after my operation rehabilitation will start, and that will be my next chapter with Dance On.

Dance On is for anyone over 50, male or female, seated or standing. It is suitable for all abilities and mobilities, and we aim to make it as inclusive and accessible as possible. Find out more about the Dance On programme, including evidence compiled by The University of Leeds on its effectiveness, here.

To discover a Dance On session near you, including specialist sessions Dance On for Parkinson’s and Dance On Strength & Balance, or to find out about other darts’ programmes you can access, have a look at our What’s On guide.

To ensure that darts can maintain the powerful impact of programmes like Dance On, please donate here.