An innovative collaboration project between the Royal Ballet and Opera (RBO) and CNWL Arts in Health is exploring the positive impact of dance, specifically ballet, on mental health. Supported by CNWL NHS Health Charity, the project is part of RBO’s Creative Exchange Programme.
Running from October 2024 to February 2025, the initiative brings together participants from CNWL’s Communities provisions and invited to attend for 12 weeks of dance workshops held in a West End dance studio and rehearsing in the Paul Hamlyn Hall at the Royal Opera House. Led by Royal Ballet and Opera Lead Dance Artist Liz Foster, alongside former Royal Ballet dancers David Pickering and Tara Bhavnani, sessions are co-facilitated by CNWL dance movement psychotherapists and drama therapists.
Participants, many with no prior dance experience, will co-create a performance, Alice Magic, inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The performance will be presented to family, friends and invited guests at the Royal Opera House’s Paul Hamlyn Hall, on Friday 31 January at 1pm.
Participants have described the experience as life-changing. One shared: “It’s been transformative and a real confidence builder. The group has become like a family, and I’ve made friendships I never expected. Working together has helped me rediscover joy and realize I’m capable of so much more than I thought.”
This unique collaboration showcases the role of the arts in fostering creativity, connection, and recovery for those living with mental health challenges.
For more information about the project please email cnwlartsinhealth@nhs.net