The successful project, which the Tonhalle-Gesellschaft Zürich, the Opernhaus Zürich, and the Kunsthaus carry out together, is starting its third season.
“Connect” is a dance project for people living with neurological challenges such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s. The idea came from the ballet director of Ballett Zürich, Cathy Marston, who, with her ballet “The Cellist,” tells the life story of Jacqueline du Pré, who suffered from MS and died young. In collaboration with several partners, a dance training program for people with neurological challenges was developed.”
Musicians from the “Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich” accompany individual sessions. Some of them take place at the “Kunsthaus”, where paintings or sculptures inspire the movements. The training is based on the long-standing expertise of the “Dance & Creative Wellness Foundation” and is co-designed by members of the independent dance group “The Field”.
Recent neurological research views dance as an ideal intervention for neurological diseases and disorders such as MS or Parkinson’s. It highlights the role of dance and music in overcoming motor challenges, as well as in improving psychosocial well-being and quality of life. The creative practice and approach of the project “Connect” are based on evidence-based research at the innovative intersection of dance and neurology.
Movement offers participants the opportunity to connect with themselves and their surroundings. Dancing shapes and supports expression, posture, and personal creativity. Encounters with visual art can provide additional inspiration.
After a summer break, weekly training sessions will resume in autumn 2025 in three groups. These sessions will be led by professional dance artists with the appropriate expertise. Musicians from the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich will provide live music in selected sessions. The content of the “Connect” trainings will, over several weeks at a time, focus on a choreography by Ballett Zürich, a musical program by the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, or an exhibition at the Kunsthaus. In the sessions, participants explore these works from various perspectives under the guidance of the teaching artists. This allows participants to immerse themselves in a musically, artistically, and choreographically inspiring environment.
The experience is enriched by joint visits to the three institutions. At the Opernhaus, an orchestral rehearsal of the ballet “Romeo and Juliet” by Cathy Marston will be attended. At the Tonhalle, the dress rehearsal of the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich under the direction of Paavo Järvi, featuring works by Lalo and Bruckner, will take place. At the Kunsthaus Zürich, there will be a dialogical tour of the exhibition on the Brazilian artist Lygia Clark.
The weekly dance classes are offered on Friday afternoons in the Vereinssaal of the Tonhalle Zürich or in the collection rooms of the Moser Building at the Kunsthaus Zürich.
“Connect” takes place from October to July on Friday afternoons. The season is divided into three blocks. When a new course block begins, available spots are allocated in order of registration.
There are still very few dance offerings in Switzerland for people living with Parkinson’s or MS. We see the strong interest in “Connect” from those affected as a mandate to encourage other institutions and dance professionals to offer dance programs for people with MS, Parkinson’s, and other neurological challenges in Zurich and other regions of Switzerland. Starting in autumn 2025, new offerings will be available in Basel, Lucerne, and Lausanne, and existing programs in Zurich and Bern will be expanded.
In the coming months, we will also publish a link here to other dance offerings for people with neurological challenges in Switzerland.
If you are interested in “Connect” and dance programs in Switzerland, you can register here.
Financially, “Connect” is not yet fully covered. For this reason, we have launched a fundraising campaign. With your support, we can realize the project together and help people with neurological challenges achieve a better quality of life.
Cathy Marston, Artistic Director and Chief Choreographer, Ballett Zürich
Ilona Schmiel, Director, Tonhalle-Gesellschaft Zürich
Ann Demeester, Director, Kunsthaus Zürich
Why should people with neurological challenges dance?
Dancing is an extremely versatile activity. It combines physical, cognitive, creative, and social aspects. Dance groups for people with Parkinson’s have existed since 2001; starting from a New York group, the idea has now spread across all continents. Since 2019, based on a Scottish program, dance groups for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have also emerged. Connect is the first such project in Switzerland.
Is Connect dance therapy?
No. Participants are addressed as dancers, not patients. However, all instructors leading the trainings have expertise in the special challenges of these sessions.
What effects does dancing have on people with Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s causes various symptoms due to a dopamine deficiency: for example, difficulty initiating and smoothly continuing movements, or balance problems. Other symptoms include slowness, trembling, and freezing (when one wants to move but cannot). More than 2,000 studies have shown that physical activity can slow the progression of the disease. This is especially important because, to date, no medication or surgical procedure can do this. Dancing is considered particularly effective because it combines various aspects (including balance, coordination, smooth movement sequences, and social interaction); music acts as an external metronome, replacing the loss of an internal one, which can especially help with freezing problems.
What effects does dancing have on people with MS?
Multiple sclerosis is a disease with very diverse symptoms and courses. It can cause balance disorders, paralysis, and sensory disturbances. The disease usually progresses in episodes; symptoms may disappear, but the health condition can also worsen continuously. There are now medications and therapies that can effectively prevent relapses. However, chronic inflammation can cause progressive disability. Dancing is also considered helpful for this disease, with neuroprotective or even neuroregenerative effects. Dancing can also improve symptoms like fatigue or concentration difficulties, which some people with MS experience.
Can such results be proven?
Yes. Studies have shown that dancing seems better for the brain than regular exercise. Imaging techniques have demonstrated changes in cortical structure, and blood markers also indicate such changes.
What effects does dancing have beyond physical results?
Dancing brings joy – even small children naturally move to every rhythm. Dancing can also improve mood, strengthen self-esteem, and enhance overall quality of life for people with neurological challenges. Besides dancing itself, social contacts during the dance trainings also help. Moreover, unlike pharmacological treatments, dancing has no side effects.
What makes Connect special?
There are three key aspects: First, some dance sessions are accompanied by musicians from the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich. Second, participants are invited to attend rehearsals at the Opernhaus Zürich and the Tonhalle Zürich, gaining insight into these cultural institutions. Third, the project includes further training opportunities for musicians and dancers, hoping to encourage more such events in Switzerland in the future.
Are the trainings exclusively for patients with Parkinson’s and MS?
Basically, yes. However, the registration form allows other neurological diagnoses to be noted. In these cases, we will assess whether participation in this program is appropriate.
How are participants selected?
On the one hand, registration order matters; on the other, group composition is balanced. Those who do not get a place are placed on a waiting list.
What physical requirements must be met?
There are no physical requirements; dance trainings can also be attended in a wheelchair or with a walker, and dancing can be done standing or sitting. It is important that participants are aware of their limits (risk of falling) and communicate their needs with instructors and assistants.
Are there disabled parking spaces at the Tonhalle?
Yes.
How should participants dress for the trainings?
As comfortably as possible.
What exactly happens during a Connect training?
The Vereinsaal opens half an hour before the start; coffee and cake are available for early arrivals. The actual training lasts one hour. Afterwards, participants can relax with a coffee.
How often should one train for it to be effective?
Studies have shown that two one-hour sessions per week would be ideal. For organizational reasons, Connect can only take place once a week.
Can companions attend the trainings?
To provide a protected space for participants, companions generally cannot watch.
Are the results of Connect evaluated?
No formal scientific evaluation is planned; however, the project is advised by doctors from the University Hospital Zurich. At the end of each season, participants are surveyed for feedback.
How is insurance organized for Connect?
Insurance is the responsibility of the participants.
What are the costs of the dance classes?
The season (October to mid-July) is divided into three blocks. The regular price per block is CHF 250 (for 11–14 dance sessions), with a reduced price of CHF 180 for low-income participants. People who wish to support the project financially can also make donations. Besides the weekly dance sessions, attendance at rehearsals of the Ballett Zürich and the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, as well as a visit to an art workshop at the Kunsthaus Zürich, are included.
