A NEW project is using ballet to help people with Parkinson’s and other conditions that affect their mobility.

Dancing Chairs has already helped several residents with mobility problems in Stretford, and the project launched in Wilmslow on Friday, April 7.

Working in partnership with My Life Living Assistance healthcare service, the sessions will run for a six-week trial period, before being extended subject to demand.

Andre Milewski, from Dancing Chairs, told the Guardian that the sessions can help people with any condition that affects balance, mood or concertration, including arthritis, MS and dementia.

“It helps people to reconnect with their bodies,” he said.

“We believe it works with people regardless of their health condition.

“A lady in out Wilmslow session had had a shoulder replacement, and she complained about the pain it was causing her.

“But that pain didn’t seem to be there when the music was playing.”

The hour-long sessions are free of charge, and use ballet music to help participants express themselves while relieving pain and discomfort.

“Sometimes we use more modern music, or jazz and tango,” Andre added.

“But it has to be gentle, and we find that ballet music works best.”

Dancing Chairs runs from 11.15am on Fridays at Dean Row Village Hall, in Brown’s Lane, and carers are also welcome to take part.

For more information email catherinechanoux@gmail.com, visit facebook.com/dancingchairsproject, or call 07548 235636.

Tuesday, April 11, marked World Parkinson’s Day, and charity Parkinson’s UK has been raising awareness about the condition over the past week.

More than 10 million people live with the condition worldwide, including around 127,000 in the UK.

It is a progressive neurological condition which mainly affects people aged 50 or over, and it leads to tremors, muscle stiffness or slowness of movement.

To find out more about the condition and the work of Parkinson’s UK, which inspired the Dancing Chairs project, visit parkinsons.org.uk