Queensland Ballet has launched a ballet program designed for people living with a brain injury. The program uses ballet-based movement, music and artistry to enable participants to experience the enjoyment, creative expression and wellbeing benefits dance can bring.
The first of its kind, Ballet for Brain Injury aims to develop a new evidence-informed approach to engage people living with brain injuries, with the class now running weekly at Queensland Ballet’s West End studios.
Queensland Ballet Education Manager Martha Godber says QB is deeply committed to creative health and exploring ways that dance can be a vehicle to improve the lives of people living with injury, illness or disease. “QB Teaching Artists have consulted with Physiotherapist Kerry Read and Occupational Therapist Peter Irving to develop a program that is tailored to the needs of the participants and ensures the class is inclusive, enhances wellbeing and provides an authentic ballet experience,” said Ms Godber.
Hopkins Centre Ambassador Ms Adams initiated the program, after experiencing first-hand the impacts of people living with a brain injury. Ms Adams’ son Dylan sustained life-threatening injuries in a car accident in March 2012. After spending two weeks in a coma, Dylan was transferred to a Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit. “Being my son’s carer, I’ve learned first-hand the lack of rehabilitation options and resources for people affected and the ongoing barriers they face such as loss of identity, neurofatigue and feelings of isolation,” she said.
The class follows the shape of a standard ballet class, with participants starting at the barre with smaller movements before learning sequences, choreographic activities and partnering work. Beyond the ballet movement, the class has an inherent focus on creativity and social expression.
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