Ascendance is a dance school located in Wakefield, dedicated to promoting health and well-being through the art of dance. The school offers a variety of dance classes and performance opportunities that are inclusive for all individuals. With a welcoming and friendly community, Ascendance provides rejuvenating experiences for the body and mind, creating a sense of belonging and joy, especially for older adults.
One of the unique offerings at Ascendance is their specialist Parkinson's friendly programmes. Led by exceptional creative dance artists, these programmes use image cues and uplifting music to get the body moving and feel more alert. The tailored exercises focus on balance, coordination, and conditioning while encouraging positivity, enabling individuals to lead fulfilling and active lifestyles.
Ascendance also has its own performance company, called “Fuse Dance Collective. ” This community-driven company rehearses and creates new dance works to be performed in a range of site-specific spaces and prestigious theatre venues and festivals, including The Riley Theatre, Leeds Playhouse, and The Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre. The collective welcomes everyone to join, regardless of experience level, as their diverse cast includes professional dancers and individuals with and without Parkinson's. By participating in Fuse Dance Collective, individuals not only enhance their creativity but also improve their overall health and, of course, have fun!
At Ascendance, everyone can enjoy being a dancer, a choreographer, a director, or part of the administrative team. Well-being and giving people a voice are at the heart of everything they do. They offer dance classes across Leeds and Bradford, with the option to join classes on Zoom for those who want to stay active from the comfort of their own homes.
Ascendance also features a gallery of videos, showcasing their dance performances and their “Dance at Home” series. The website provides information about their board of trustees, teaching team, and volunteers, who are the passionate professionals at the heart of Ascendance.
Through their commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and overall well-being, Ascendance aims to create a thriving dance community that inspires individuals to embrace dance as a means of self-expression and personal growth. For more information, interested individuals can visit their website or contact them via email or phone.