Dance4Wellbeing

Established in 2017, Dance4Wellbeing is one of Australia’s most innovative providers for over 55s, delivering programs across the Arts Health sector. Our Director and founder, Jessica Conneely BA Dance (Dist.) is Internationally renowned with over 30 years of performing, teaching, and educating others on the benefits of dance, by providing safety-conscious dance and movement programs for seniors across Australia. Dance4Wellbeing programs support considerable scientific research showing that dance offers excellent results as we get older, by providing a mind and body workout in a socially stimulating and joyful way. We provide dance sessions in community locations, in aged care, and we supplement these if reasons prevent seniors from attending in-person with an online program. Dancing with friends via ZOOM has allowed seniors to engage with like-minded people to improve their social life and reduce social isolation. In addition, Jessica has created an accredited training program for Health and Care professionals, Incorporating Movement in a Health or Care Setting. The training is provided in partnership with Hunter New England and Mid North Coast Local Health Districts, State Training Services, and TAFE NSW. Jessica is co -director of Dance for Parkinson’s Australia, producing creative programs in dance for people living Parkinson’s disease which is part of a world -wide association with Dance for PD®( New York). Dance4wellbeing also facilitates joyful movement programs in residential care for people living with dementia. Currently involved with an ongoing research project for people affected by Stroke with the Hunter Medical Research Institute ( HMRI) Recognised nationally by her peers as an innovator in this field, Jessica received the Arts Leader Award at the Lake Mac Awards, March 2021. Simply put, dance brings people together and “feels” good. https://www.dance4wellbeing.com.au/