Helix Arts Falling On Your Feet Dancers Celebrate by sashaying on the sand at Whitley Bay

Helix Arts is a North Tyneside based arts charity. We believe participation in creative activity is fundamental to people’s wellbeing and should be available to everyone - especially the people in our communities who have the least opportunity.

Falling on Your Feet is our dance and health programme. It is tailored to individuals aged 55+. Participants engage in weekly workshops led by professional dance artists, focusing on enhancing strength, balance and flexibility. Through collaborative sessions, participants co-create dance pieces that reflect their personal stories and experiences.

The programme not only aims to improve physical health and reduce the risk of falls but also promotes social connection - boosting confidence and combating social isolation.

The group recently participated in an aerial dance workshop and really stretched themselves both physically and creatively.

“These sessions are a lifesaver for me, creating connectivity, focus and a better sense of wellbeing” – Diane, Participant.

As part of Creativity and Wellbeing Week, The Falling on Your Feet-ers will be celebrating in the sunshine (fingers crossed!), encouraging new participants to join in with a bit of sashaying on the sand and becoming at one with the waves as part of their Big Beach Dance at Whitley Bay. Our dancers will be stepping into summer beside the sea, working with dancer Lynn Campbell, connecting through creativity, and using the sights, sounds and smells of the sea as a stimulus.

“Attending Falling On Your Feet has helped me enormously with both my physical and mental health. It’s just brilliant” – Doreen, Participant

Our dancers meet each week at Segedunum Roman Fort and are currently researching and developing themes for a new piece of dance which they’ll perform in the Autumn.

They are excited by working with younger dancers and new professional dancers too to develop their skills and technique. The group are currently exploring a variety of themes through improvised dance and are keen to develop their strength and show that age isn’t a barrier to what you can achieve as dancers.