The Point

A group of women with grey hair laugh and smile while dancing with their arms in the air. Part of the Dance On project run by darts in Doncaster.

Do you want to be more active, but aren’t sure how to get started?

Dance On is a great way for adults over 50 to get moving, keep fit and feel healthy in Doncaster. Whatever your ability, you can take part in a way that suits you, whether that’s seated, standing or a mix of the two. It’s not about learning traditional steps or putting together complicated routines. It’s about the simple joy of moving your body to great music in a safe, supportive space. There’s no judgement, and everyone’s included.

Unlike many dance classes that focus on learning a specific style (like Zumba or line dancing), our Dance On sessions have been specially designed to be accessible, person-centred and inclusive. We blend a wide range of music and dance styles to ensure the sessions have something for everyone. In a Dance On session, you might find yourself dancing to anything from musicals to Motown, with some disco, belly dancing or contemporary dance in between!

When and where?

Sessions take place at The Point in Doncaster and in a variety of community venues across the city (not Bank Holidays). See below for our current schedule. No booking required – please just turn up! Try your first session for free then £5 per person (carers attend free).

Find a group near you:

Edlington Mondays, 10.30-11.30am, ECO, Yorkshire Main Community Centre, DN12 1AB – cash payments only please!

Stainforth Fridays, 1.30–2.30pm at Stainforth Resource Centre, DN7 5NJ

Auckley Mondays, 1.30-2.30pm, St Saviours Parish Hall, DN9 3HH

The Point Tuesdays 10.15-11.15am or 11.30-12.30pm, 16 South Parade, DN1 2DR

Bessacarr Fridays, 11-12pm, St Francis of Assisi, DN4 7JA

We also run Dance On Strength and Balance; targeted sessions for those who want to enhance stability and coordination, build confidence and reduce the risk of falls. Find out more about Dance On Strength and Balance.

Dance On for Parkinson’s also runs weekly on Wednesdays at Armthorpe Community Centre. For more information about these targeted sessions for adults living with Parkinson’s, please click here.

Contact amy@wearedarts.org.uk or 01302 493991 if you have any questions at all.

Lovely people. We all get so much out of it. I feel so much better after coming.

More information

Led by darts, One Dance UK, the University of Leeds and Yorkshire Dance, Dance On has proved to be a highly successful model, enhancing the lives of hundreds of older adults – many of whom who were previously deemed ‘inactive’. Participants tell us that coming to Dance On has not only improved their physical health but has also improved their mood, fostered new friendships, and made them feel more connected to their local community. The benefits of our innovative Dance On programme have been backed up by 7 years of robust academic research by the University of Leeds, proving that Dance On can improve mobility, balance, and reduce fear of falling.

Funded by Sport England’s national Active Ageing and Local Delivery Pilot Programmes, with partnership funding from a range of partners including City of Doncaster Council, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, Leeds City Council and Arts Council England, the programme has enabled people who might not ordinarily access sports or fitness activities to become more physically active through regular fun, social, dance activity.

Watch the video below to get a taste of what to expect in a session.