Physiotherapists from the Mater Hospital in Brisbane are hitting the dance floor in a move aimed at helping people with brain injuries and the elderly improve their mobility, memory and flexibility.
This partnership between the Mater and Queensland Ballet has developed tailor-made standing and seated dance classes for people in the community.
“It’s an opportunity for Mater at Home’s allied health team to develop new ways to support our patients and to learn from such accomplished ballet dancers,” physiotherapist Cassandra Atkins said.
Queensland Ballet artistic director Li Cunxin said research conducted in partnership with Queensland University of Technology revealed that ballet classes led to positive wellbeing outcomes with participants reporting “they felt more energetic, kept in shape, had enhanced bodily control and awareness as well as improved posture and flexibility.”
The Mater at Home program provides home and community-based services including dietetics, occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy and more.
Mater Community Services executive director Dr Fiona Hinchliffe said the partnership with Queensland Ballet enabled Mater at Home to offer the latest evidence-based programs and care.
“People are increasingly seeking healthcare at home or in their local community spaces, rather than travelling to hospitals or healthcare settings, and these classes enable them to participate in health and well-being programs close to home,” she said.
The first community ballet class will be held at Upper Mt Gravatt Progress Hall on May 14, 2022.
The classes, which will be ongoing are offered weekly, apart from holidays, and each class runs from 45 to 60 minutes.
To register go to: www.materathome@mater.org.au
Caption: Melissa Taylor, Li Cunxin and Ashleigh Partis