Ascendance is inviting people to an inspiring afternoon celebrating creativity, resilience and the lived experience of Parkinson’s through dance, film, music and storytelling.
Creating, Dancing & Living with Parkinson’s brings together original performances, short films, photography, live music and afternoon tea to showcase work created by people living with Parkinson’s and the artists who have supported their creative journeys.
A celebration of creativity and lived experience
The event shines a spotlight on Ascendance’s trainee choreographers, each of whom is living with Parkinson’s and has developed original work inspired by their own experiences.
The programme includes:
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Switching – David’s powerful dance work exploring the changing effects of Parkinson’s medication.
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A Grand Day Out – Patrick’s joyful celebration of a trip to Blackpool, accompanied by photography from the company’s seaside visit.
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Journey Back to Joy – a new short film created by Chris and Chris with filmmaker Pishdaad Modarassi, exploring creativity, movement and life with Parkinson’s.
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A performance of Murmurations, created with community groups from Leeds and Bradford.
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Live music from Georgia Jakubiak.
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Films by Pishdaad Modarassi and Olivia Davies.
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An optional opportunity to join in some dancing before afternoon tea.
Launch of a new creative health toolkit
The afternoon will also see the launch of a new sector toolkit by Dr Mel Brierley, sharing learning from Ascendance’s work supporting artists living with Parkinson’s. The resource aims to help organisations and practitioners embed creative approaches within their own work.
Event details
Creating, Dancing & Living with Parkinson’s
Friday 18 September 2026 – 1.00pm – 5.00pm
Queen’s Hall, Moortown, Leeds LS17 6LE
£10 per ticket, including afternoon tea and live music.
Book your place
Find out more and book your ticket:
Ascendance
Learn more about the Signature Moves project:
https://www.ascendance.org.uk/signature-moves
