Queensland Ballet Wins National Innovation Award for Dance for Health Partnership

The award was announced last night at the PAC conference in Darwin and accepted by the Director of Queensland Ballet’s Community Health Institute, Zara Gomes.

Gomes described the partnership between Queensland Ballet and Queensland Health as a resounding success. “Dance Health programs offer a new way for people to improve their physical health through movement to music but also enjoy positive benefits to wellbeing through self-expression and social connection to others.”

“Through our landmark partnership with Queensland Health, our Dance for Health programs are an example of how arts can intersect with health to transform lives across communities. Winning this award reflects the dedication of our entire team, and we are all thrilled to be recognised by the broader community for our programs," Gomes added.

Generously supported by Queensland Health who have contributed over $500,000 since January 2024, Queensland Ballet’s Dance Health programs have reached over 10,000 people in the community through classes across Brisbane and regional Queensland. Regular class programs include Dance for Arthritis, Ballet for Brain Injury, Dance for Parkinson’s, Dance for Veterans, Dance Rehab (in hospitals), and Ballet Serene (in aged-care facilities).

Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, the Hon Timothy Nicholls MP, congratulated Queensland Ballet on receiving the Innovation Award.

“This award is a testament to the great collaboration between Queensland Health and the Queensland Ballet, underpinned by a shared vision of improving community health, sense of connection, and physical mobility,” Minister Nicholls said.

Executive Director, PAC Australia, Katherine Connor said, “This project is innovation at its most meaningful: connecting art and science, performance and purpose and proving that dance belongs not only on stage, but in every part of community life.”

A keen participant in the Dance for Parkinson’s program, Julie Trewan, commented on the sense of belonging and freedom she enjoys from taking the classes.

“I’ve been attending since 2015, and it’s the highlight of my week. There is a strong sense of community and friendship. The classes provide us with many physical benefits, but, more importantly, I leave the class with a sense of calmness and well-being,” Trewan said.

Queensland Ballet’s Dance Health programs commenced in 2013 with Dance for Parkinson’s classes, delivered in partnership with Dance for Parkinson’s Australia. Since then, the programs have grown to include Dance for Arthritis (with The Arthritis Movement), Ballet for Brain Injury, Dance Rehab and Ballet Serene.

Partnering with Queensland Health has seen the Dance for Health program reach over 10,000 community members through weekly classes in Brisbane and regular regional tours across Queensland.