Live Well and Dance
with Parkinson’s
A programme of creative dance for people living with Parkinson’s or similar neurological conditions, and their friends, family, or carers.
We currently deliver regular sessions on Wednesdays in Wallsend.
The group work with local choreographers towards performance opportunities. Read below to learn more about some of the projects they’ve been involved in…
Current Sessions
Locomotion
Inspired by the 200 Year anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, the first passenger railway in the world, this piece celebrates the wonder of travelling.
Drawing from memories of exciting train rides, from India to Northumberland, Locomotion invites audiences on a memorable journey.
Performed at Cullercoats Festival and Dance City for World Parkinson’s Day 2025.
Choreography by Pelican Theatre
Supported by Eve Walker
Turn of the Tyne
The River Tyne is one of the UK’s most iconic rivers and a key cultural landmark of the North East. It is a river of great contrasts, from its rising tributaries in the remote hills of the Scottish Borders, to the strength of its industry running through Newcastle and Gateshead, to its eventual emptying into the vastness of the North Sea.
Olivia Paddison and the Live Well and Dance with Parkinson’s Performance Collective explored the journey of the Tyne and its rich industrial history through creative movement, embodying the ever-changing tides and turns of the river as it winds through the landscape, nurturing life, community, and memories.
Choreographer & Director: Olivia Paddison
Producers: Pagan Hunt and Ellie Trow
Film & Edit: Jasmine Stephenson
Synergy
A piece that celebrates the unique energy of each group member, and the power of coming together to make something special.
Performed at Gateshead Metrocentre Community Hub for World Parkinson’s Day 2023
Choreography by Pelican Theatre
Supported by Eve Walker and Lynn Campbell
Vallum Hadriani
We were commissioned by People Dancing to work with the Live Well and Dance with Parkinson’s Performance Collective, to create a piece for the Hadrian’s Wall 1900 Festival.
Hadrian's Wall is a long-standing reminder of the might of the Roman Empire; the strength and bravery of the soldiers who defended it, and the resilience of the wall itself to have survived 1900 years.
It is also the site of the 83-mile Hadrian's Wall Path; a beautiful walk through some of England's best countryside, where thousands of people come every year to enjoy the serenity of nature, and observe the fragile, crumbling remains of the wall itself.
Over 12 weeks the dancers have reflected on this relationship between strength and fragility, conflict and serenity, military and nature, to take our audience on a journey through the history of the wall.
Performed July 28th 2022 at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre
Choreography by Pelican Theatre
Supported by Molly Grey and Olivia Paddison
Three performers reach their arms together, sitting and standing on a grassy rooftop
A group of performers move gently with soft, white fabric
The group are sat and stood in two rows on a wooden rooftop, a long stretch of heavy white material connecting each of them
A male performer with a green t shirt and short grey hair is seated in some long grass, arms raised, with a focussed expression on his face
Ellie sits to watch the group dancing all together, on the wooden rooftop
A group of people of all ages are sitting in a circle, dancing with colourful scarves
Two dancers are in the foreground waving yellow and orange scarves, others are also dancing in the background. Everyone is smiling.
Ellie and Pagan hug eachother, a smile visible on Pagan's face
A full group photo of the performers, Ellie and Pagan, producers, and creative team, all smiling to the camera.
Photography by Gabriel Watt, Alice Stroyan