Alongside our regular class programme, Ascendance leads a range of Dance for Health partnerships designed to increase participation and wellbeing across local communities. 

“A genuinely inclusive organisation making a real impact through dance and wellbeing.”

We’re committed to growing our creative dance offer across diverse settings and partnerships—including Karmand Community Centre, Your Back Yard, The Linking Network, Museum of Colour, Anchor Care Homes, Marie Curie Hospice, 100% Digital Leeds, Northern School of Contemporary  Dance, Sheffield University, Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Parkinson’s UK events.

Ascendance, worked with local filmmaker Pishdaad Modaressi to create "Unseen"—a moving documentary exploring the lives and creativity of people living with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions in the district of Bradford. Premiered at Saltaire Arts Trail in May 2025 as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture programme, the project used dance, visual art and storytelling to shift public perceptions and celebrate inclusion in the arts.

Supported by Arts Council England and National Lottery Community Fund, the project is part of the wider "Signature Moves" initiative, which trains artists with Parkinson’s to choreograph, perform, and lead in the cultural sector. 


Participants in the project described it as “life-changing,” “very moving,” and “a real impact on lives.” This inclusive and empowering project helps communities reimagine what is possible for those living with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions- bringing joy, connection and visibility to those involved.

Ascendance is proud to partner with Leeds Rhinos Foundation, delivering a hybrid dance session for older people every Tuesday from their community hub. We also contribute to their Dementia & MS programme throughout the year, and love performing at their wellbeing and dementia friendly events.

Watch the BBC feature filmed on the Concourse at Headingley Stadium.

Ascendance has been working at The Karmand Community Centre Day Care in Bradford, delivering two projects funded by Sport England and Bradford 2025. These initiatives support overall fitness and wellbeing through inclusive dance, movement, and creative arts activities.

Participants take part in gentle exercise, rhythm-based movement, and visual arts sessions designed to improve mobility, coordination, and confidence. The programme also offers space for creativity and connection through drawing, painting & sewing with visual artist Serena Nassini. 

Some participants have gone on to perform with Ascendance at public events, including a special appearance at Victoria Hall at The Saltaire Arts Trail sharing their experiences and celebrating their achievements and particpation in the community exhibition with wider audiences. 

Ascendance and The Linking Network brought together Year 6 pupils from Beckfoot Allerton Primary and residents of Willowbank Care Home for inclusive, creative sessions exploring joy, memory, and connection. Through music, movement, and shared storytelling, participants built bonds across generations. 

Highlights included a moving rendition of Summertime, a playful “fluttering bird” dance, and an uplifting group singalong to Sweet Caroline, uniting voices across ages in celebration.

The project championed wellbeing and community spirit, showing how the arts can unite people of all ages.

We’re always looking for friendly, community-minded volunteers to support our dance sessions. Whether it’s helping with refreshments, welcoming participants, or assisting at events, there are plenty of ways to get involved. This is a great opportunity for anyone passionate about dance, wellbeing, or making a difference in their local community.

Alongside our volunteer programme, we’ve also hosted a range of student placements this year—offering research, class-based dance experiences, and mentoring. Students from Leeds Trinity University, Leeds City College and Leeds Music College regularly join us for placements to gain valuable hands-on experience as part of their courses. We’ve welcomed exchange visits from arts organisations across the North, sharing skills, ideas, and inspiration.

Helen (pictured centre) is one of our dedicated volunteers, generously giving her time twice a week. She helps greet participants, organises refreshments, supports events, and lends a hand at stalls whenever needed. Her warmth and reliability make a real difference.

Ascendance love the great outdoors, and spending time at Living Potential Care Farm for our creative development days was an absolute treat.

We were welcomed with a personalised tour of the farm—meeting the animals and soaking up the peaceful surroundings—before diving into our creative work. It was a refreshing, inspiring space to reflect, connect, and explore new ideas together

Angela, one of Ascendance’s cherished regulars, has recently moved into Oak Tree Care Home — and we’re delighted to see her happy dancing in her new surroundings.

We’ll be dancing there again soon too, exploring music, memories that inspires residents and sharing a screening of "Unseen" which Angela stars in with her beutiful song.