Hello Valued Dancers, Partnering Organisations and Supporters,
With April and May arrives the Djeran season. Djeran is one of the six Noongar seasons, and is a time of cooler nights, dewy mornings, light southerly breezes and red-flowering gums.
Photo: red-flowering gums. Photo Credit – Paige
We have had a great start to 2026, with a smooth return to programs for dancers, aged care partners and our team of teaching dance artists. We are thrilled to have Ella, Liz, Christine and Ruby on the Lifespan Teaching team in 2026, with some more Dance Artists coming on board, after undertaking Dance for PD training and mentoring towards teacher-readiness. Much work goes into creating the classes – our team of WA-based teaching dance artists support each other to develop new and creative class content, and that creativity has been evident in the fantastic classes already taught this year!
We welcome Bridie to the team! You may have seen Bridie volunteering at various classes over the last few years. Bridie is currently studying Classical Voice (Hons) at ECU WAAPA and with her deepening interest in the performing arts, is keen to learn about all aspects, even administration! Bridie will work in the role of Project Administrator (afew hours each week) and if you see here at class, give her a warm welcome!
Photo: Welcome, Bridie! Photo Credit – Vinn
Community Classes
Community Classes have been brimming with the vitality of dancers in 2026. Thank you to local councils – City of Kwinana, City of Nedlands, City of Canning and to the Koorliny Arts Centre and WA Ballet Company, for ongoing support for the classes – by way of studio subsidy. Your support is vital in sustaining our classes. Thank you.
The new City of Canning classes began in February. This project is made possible by a Dance for PD® Launch Grant, a funding initiative of the Mark Morris Dance Group’s Dance for PD® program, and with support Dance for Parkinson’s Australia and the City of Canning. The classes have been very well attended, with an average class size of 23 dancers, which is amazing! Huge appreciation for the support from the Community Development staff, Rostrata Centre staff and to our brilliant volunteer Cheryl. After a written evaluation process, the feedback is very clear and we are delighted to announce that these classes will go ahead in Term 2. Registration is essential, as numbers will be capped to maintain the quality experience.
Photo: City of Canning class. Photo Credit – Megan
Outreach Seated Dance Classes have been popular! With a focus on body/brain health, we continue to lead seated dance classes in aged care, residential/independent living seniors groups, as well as staff training and development. We have welcomed many new clients to the Outreach program, as staff look to program high quality dance classes for their residents and/or clients. Our classes are led by qualified and Dance for Parkinson-trained dance artists, and engaging, by providing a safe, inclusive and joyful way to move, to dance and express. Did you know that Lifespan Dance is the ‘Preferred Providers for Dance Classes’ in numerous Aged Care organisations? Email us for bookings for August onwards.
Photo: Outreach Seated Dance Class. Photo Credit – Samara
Connect Victoria Park
We return to Victoria Park next month to join the Connect Vic Park team in a Seated Dance class on Friday April 10 at 10am at The Hub – all welcome. This class is FREEwith bookings essential. Click here to register! And we look forward to seeing all our Victoria Park dancers come and join in the fun!
Regional WA Tour
Lifespan Dance are heading out from Armidale to Albany across the Wheatbelt and Great Southern Region to deliver classes in Aged Care, thanks to our successful fundraising through ACF and to generous supporters. You are welcome to join the Community Class at the Wickepin Town Hall on April 14th, and we are especially looking forward to the shared morning tea after class too!
Photo: Wheatbelt and Great Southern Region. Photo Credit – Bridie
Parkinson’s Awareness Month (April) is nearly here and there are some wonderful dance happenings across the country. If you are able to come to class, please think about wearing purple in classes during April – in honour of people and families affected and to raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease . The teachers will delight in wearing purple and our Lyn-Leeder designed/created neckwear! Thank you Lyn.
Photo: Erica Rose – Director of Dance for Parkinson’s Australia, wearing a Lyn Leeder designed and bespoke-neckwear.
University Secondment Students
You may meet some secondment students in upcoming classes. We are delighted to be hosting a number of ECU WAAPA Dance students, as well as Curtin University Medicine Students, which is wonderful. Please make them feel welcome!
I am undertaking my PhD Research at ECU WAAPA, interweaving current research into best practice. The data collection – classes and performances at the new ECU City Campus on Saturday mornings – has been approved by Ethics and will begin in May. There are opportunities to be involved in this vital research – as a dancer, and audience member. Please see the flyer attached, to check the screening criteria and contact details.
UPCOMING Dates for the diary…..
April – Parkinson’s Awareness Month
April 2 – Final day of Term 1 Community Classes
April 10 – Connect Vic Park FREE Class – 10am.
April 14 – Regional WA Tour – Wickepin Town Hall 10am
April 20 – Term 2 Classes begin at Canning – 10am
April 21 – Term 2 Classes begin at WA Ballet – 1pm
April 22 – Term 2 Classes begin at Koorliny Arts Centre – 10am
April 24 – Term 2 Classes begin at Dalkeith Hall – 11am
April 29 – May 6th – Australian DANCE WEEK
May 23 – June 13 – Dance for Parkinson’s Introductory Training
Volunteers & Gratitude
We continue to be VERY grateful for our generous volunteers – Jac, Kaitlyn and Cheryl – who are a key part of the success of our Community Classes. A HUGE THANKYOU!
And thank you to Alinta, Trina and Anne – who lent us the tambourines for our Italian-themed class!
Remembering
We light candles for dancers who have passed away in 2026, who have inspired us, and who we will remember with fondness.
Thank you for reading to the end of this e-newsletter, and for being part of this vital community. As always we welcome your feedback and comments.
Please stay in touch via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lifespan.dance or Instagram https://instagram.com/_lifespan_dance
We look forward to seeing you soon. Wishing you a happy and flourishing Djeran and a safe Easter holiday break.