New “Groove to Improve” Dance-Programme Launched in Collaboration Between HSU and Pavilion Dance

A new community initiative is now live to help older adults manage persistent low back pain through movement and community engagement. The programme, titled ‘Groove to Improve’, is a collaboration between Health Sciences University (HSU) and Pavilion Dance South West (PDSW) with support from Wessex Health Partners, and is designed specifically for those living with long-term musculoskeletal (MSK) issues such as low back pain.

The core concept is simple but powerful: weekly creative dance/movement sessions in a supportive, social environment – aimed at building confidence, improving mobility, easing pain and reducing disability for older participants. The pilot phase ran for 50 participants as a 3-month programme of six-week blocks, with weekly 90-minute sessions.

Now moving to a regular weekly format, the programme offers sessions every Tuesday at 10:45 am (during term-time) and operates on a “pay what you can” basis to increase accessibility.

Dr Neil Langridge, HSU’s Director of Clinical and Rehabilitation Services, commented:

“Groove to Improve is a fantastic community musculoskeletal health programme for older people struggling with low back pain. I am delighted to see HSU’s collaboration with Pavilion Dance now live, offering our community the opportunity to try something different in managing their pain and disability.”

The initiative is underpinned by HSU’s research and evaluation processes to capture outcomes such as mobility, quality of life and pain levels. This means participants are also contributing to a broader evidence base for alternative MSK management through movement and dance.

For those interested in joining, or in finding out more about eligibility and booking, visit the Programme page on the PDSW website here.