Neandra Etienne attends an open day at Mulryan Centre for Dance

The Dance for Parkinson’s event – (Credit – Roswitha Chesher)

Newham Voices was invited to the English National Ballet’s Dance for Parkinson’s group open day during Let’s Dance day 2026 at the Mulryan Centre for Dance in Canning Town.

Dame Arlene Phillips attended the event, which was for people living with Parkinson’s and their families. She said: “For me, the most beautiful experience is watching someone who maybe has tremors but as they listen to the music and begin the dance with a gentle reaching out I see how steady they have become.”

The step-by-step film and resource pack is for all Dance for Parkinson’s groups across the UK.

Meanwhile, throughout February and March West Ham United marked the Level Playing Field’s Unite for Access campaign, an annual celebration of good access and inclusion at sports venues, by acknowledging members of the club’s Disabled Supporters Association (DSA).

DSA represents a cross section of disabilities. They volunteer to work with the club to further improve match day experiences, to make the London Stadium and Victoria Road fully accessible.

DSA member Nick Pace was diagnosed with Parkinson’s when he was 47. He told the club: “Exercise is the only thing that’s known to stop Parkinson’s, so I’ve been playing for a walking football team for five years.”

Nick will be attending West Ham United Foundation’s walking football, tai chi and meditation activities free event at the Parkinson’s Activities Day at New City College Redbridge on 8 April from 9.30am – 4pm, to coincide with World Parkinson’s day on the 11 April.

More info is available at: whudsa.com

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