Dance Rehab celebrates Christmas at STARS

STARS last Dance Rehab session for the year took on a Christmas theme with decorations, novelty headbands and Christmas songs.

Dance Rehab is an innovative therapeutic dance program tailored to the unique needs of patients undergoing rehabilitation and treatment at STARS, in partnership with Queensland Ballet’s Van Norton Li Community Health Institute.

Patients who attend the sessions participate in a modified dance program, with seated and standing movement options to suit all. The program has been provided to STARS patients since May 2024, with over 200 patients participating.

By harnessing the joy of dance, Dance Rehab promotes emotional wellbeing, assisting in steps towards recovery in a positive and empowering way.

Director of Physiotherapy Haylee Kajewski has found the regular class has provided many therapeutic benefits for patients.

“Dance Rehab meets patients where they are in their recovery journey, tailoring movement sequences to the capabilities identified by participants and their therapy teams,” Haylee said.

“Participants with conditions ranging from stroke and spinal cord injury through to fractures and falls have taken part, demonstrating the program’s versatility.

“This personalised approach has boosted motivation with many of the participants eagerly anticipating the sessions, proudly showcasing their clinical progress to the Queensland Ballet Teaching Artists and fellow patients.”

For Director of the Van Norton Li Community Health Institute at Queensland Ballet, Zara Gomes, the value of the Dance Rehab program lies in sparking joy and possibility, beyond patients’ time in hospital.

“The sessions are themed to incorporate current Queensland Ballet productions or special times of the year, immersing participants in movement to music that connects to the wider community,” Zara said.

“Patients and their families are provided with information to encourage their continued participation in community dance following their discharge from hospital.

“Queensland Ballet has a range of regular Community and Dance Health classes, including Ballet for Brain Injury, Dance for Seniors and Dance for Parkinson’s. Dance can provide so many benefits to participants of all ages and abilities, from improvements in physical mobility and coordination, to making social connections, being creative and having fun.”

For Dance Rehab participant Billie, the session is the highlight of her week.

“I have been going every week since I’ve been in hospital, it is so much fun,” Billie said.

“Everyone can work to their own level – it is easy to follow and not too complicated.

“I didn’t really have a strong interest in dancing or ballet before, but I love this. I’ve really benefitted from coming along.”

The Dance Rehab partnership received Highly Commended in the 2024 Metro North Staff Excellence Awards in the ‘Excellence in Integrated Care’ category.

For more information on Queensland Ballet’s Dance Health Programs.