"Connect" is a dance project for people living with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease. The programme is specifically aimed at people with chronic neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease. It is specifically tailored to symptoms caused by these progressive changes in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

"Connect" is jointly supported by the Tonhalle-Gesellschaft Zürich, the Zurich Opera House and Kunsthaus Zürich.

The sessions are based on the many years of expertise of the Dance & Creative Wellness Foundation and are co-designed by members of the independent dance company The Field and dance educators from the Zurich Opera House. Musicians from the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich also provide live accompaniment for selected dance sessions.

In February 2024, Zurich Ballet, the Tonhalle-Gesellschaft Zürich, the independent performance group The Field and the Dance & Creative Wellness Foundation launched the successful pilot phase of "Connect". Shortly afterwards, Kunsthaus Zürich joined as a new cooperation partner. Since then, regular dance sessions have taken place in the Vereinssaal at the Tonhalle and amid the art collection. In addition to attending rehearsals at the Zurich Opera House and Tonhalle Zürich, encounters with the visual arts now provide further creative perspectives and inspiration for movement.

Due to high demand and the extremely positive feedback, "Connect" became a permanent part of the programmes of the three cultural institutions in the 2025/26 season. To enable as many interested people as possible to participate, the programme has since been expanded to include a third group. Around 100 people now dance with us every week.

Recent neurological research regards dance as an ideal intervention for people living with MS or Parkinson’s disease. It highlights the role of dance and music in overcoming motor challenges and in improving psychosocial well-being and quality of life.

The structure of "Connect" is based on evidence-based research at the innovative intersection of dance and neurology. Movement offers participants the opportunity to establish a deep connection with themselves and their surroundings. Dancing strengthens the body, promotes coordination, improves posture and trains balance. In addition, it shapes and encourages personal expression and individual creativity. Above all, dancing brings great joy – which has been shown to contribute to a positive sense of well-being.

From autumn 2026, weekly sessions will take place in three groups. These will be led by professional dance practitioners with relevant expertise.

Over the course of several weeks, the sessions will focus on an exhibition at Kunsthaus Zürich, a musical programme by the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich or a choreography by Zurich Ballet. During the sessions, participants explore these works from different perspectives under the guidance of the artists leading the classes. In this way, participants can immerse themselves in an inspiring environment shaped by music, art and dance.

In the first block, we explore "Turn", a work by Dieter Ammann, as well as music by Sergei Prokofiev. Conceived as an “Adagio”, Turn focuses entirely on the vertical organisation of the orchestral sound, before the dense musical aura suddenly shifts into a completely new atmosphere at a surprising turning point. We will also attend a dress rehearsal of the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich conducted by Paavo Järvi, featuring works by Dieter Ammann and Sergei Prokofiev.

In the second block, the focus is on the exhibition "Maria Lassnig und Edvard Munch – Malfluss = Lebensfluss". Both artists used colour as a means of expressing inner and outer states, such as emotions, bodily sensations and their relationship to the world. For both, painting was a form of self-exploration and reflected the inseparable connection between life and art.

In the final block, we explore the ballet "Paz de la Jolla" by Justin Peck. Inspired by Peck’s childhood in Southern California and Bohuslav Martinů’s vibrant score, we examine group formations, subtle rhythmic structures and the poetic metaphor of the beach and ocean in the dance sessions. We will also attend an orchestra rehearsal for the ballet "See the music, hear the dance" – a fascinating triple bill at the Zurich Opera House featuring choreographies by George Balanchine, Cathy Marston and Justin Peck.

The weekly dance sessions take place on Friday afternoons in the foyer and Vereinssaal of the Tonhalle Zürich or in the collection galleries of Kunsthaus Zürich.

You can join the courses at any time during the season, subject to availability. Available places are allocated in the order in which registrations are received.

If you would like to take part in "Connect", please fill in this form.

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In Switzerland, there are still only a few dance classes for people living with Parkinson’s disease or MS. We see the strong interest in "Connect" among those affected as a mandate to encourage other institutions and dance practitioners to launch dance programmes for people with neurological conditions in Zurich and other regions of Switzerland. Since autumn 2025, similar projects have been established in Basel, Lucerne and Lausanne, while existing programmes in Zurich and Bern have been successfully expanded.

• Cathy Marston, Ballet Director and Chief Choreographer, Zurich Ballet
• Ilona Schmiel, General Director, Tonhalle-Gesellschaft Zürich
• Ann Demeester, Director, Kunsthaus Zürich

• Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich: Parkinson’s Team and MS Team
• Elevate ® Scottish Ballet: Specialists in the dance programme for people with MS

• Tonhalle-Gesellschaft Zürich

• Zurich Opera House / Zurich Ballet

• Kunsthaus Zürich

• The Field

• Dance & Creative Wellness Foundation

• Otto Beisheim Foundation

• Bossi Foundation

• Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Society

Why should people with neurological conditions dance?

Dance is an exceptionally diverse activity that uniquely combines physical, cognitive, creative and social aspects. While dance groups for people living with Parkinson’s disease have become established worldwide since 2001, and a programme for people with multiple sclerosis was launched in Scotland in 2019, "Connect" is the first comparable project in Switzerland.

Is "Connect" dance therapy?

No. We deliberately address participants as dancers, not as patients. Nevertheless, everyone who leads the sessions has sound, specific expertise in the particular requirements of this programme.

What makes "Connect" special?

The project is built around three pillars:

1. Live music: Some dance sessions are accompanied live by musicians from the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich.
2. Cultural participation: In addition to the sessions, participants are invited to attend rehearsals at the Zurich Opera House and Tonhalle Zürich and receive exclusive guided tours of Kunsthaus Zürich.
3. Sustainability: The project includes targeted professional development for cultural practitioners, with the aim of promoting similar inclusive programmes throughout Switzerland.

What are the effects of dance for people with Parkinson’s disease?
In Parkinson’s disease, a lack of dopamine causes symptoms such as balance problems, muscle stiffness (rigidity), tremors, slowness of movement and what is known as "freezing". More than 2,000 studies have now shown that physical activity can demonstrably slow the progression of the disease – which is particularly important because this has not yet been possible through medication or surgery alone.

Dance is considered highly effective in this context because it trains coordination and fluid movement. Music also acts as an external rhythmic cue, compensating for the loss of an internal sense of rhythm and thus specifically helping with freezing problems.

What are the effects of dance for people with MS?
Multiple sclerosis usually progresses in episodes and manifests itself in a wide range of symptoms, such as balance disorders, paralysis, chronic fatigue or difficulty concentrating. Dance is considered an extremely valuable activity for people with MS and may have neuroprotective (nerve-protecting) or even neuroregenerative effects. It has also been shown to help alleviate symptoms of fatigue and improve cognitive concentration.

Can these results be scientifically substantiated?
Yes. Imaging techniques show that dance can often be more effective in stimulating brain activity than conventional forms of purely physical exercise. Changes in cortical structure and positive effects on the nervous system can now be clearly demonstrated through specific blood biomarkers and neurological studies.

How often should you train for it to be beneficial?
Studies show that two one-hour sessions per week would be ideal. For organisational reasons, "Connect" takes place once a week. However, the impulses and movement principles learned during the sessions can easily be incorporated into everyday life.

Are the results of "Connect" scientifically evaluated?
Yes. The project receives advisory support from doctors at the University Hospital Zurich. A scientific research project is also currently underway to investigate the impact of our artistic dance practice on well-being, quality of life and recovery. Participation is entirely voluntary for our dancers. Independently of this, we conduct an anonymous survey at the end of each season in order to continuously improve the programme.

What physical requirements are there?
There are no barriers: you can take part in the dance sessions either standing or seated. Participation with a walker or wheelchair is also fully possible. The only important thing is that you are aware of your own limits (e.g. regarding the risk of falling) and communicate your needs openly with the instructors and assistants.

Are the sessions exclusively for people with Parkinson’s disease and MS?
In principle, yes. The programme is specifically designed for people experiencing symptoms caused directly by the central nervous system (i.e. the brain or spinal cord). This target group is therefore given priority when places are allocated. However, the registration form provides the option of specifying another neurological diagnosis. We will then carefully assess on an individual basis whether participation in these groups is appropriate and safe.

Can accompanying persons attend the sessions?
To ensure a protected, trusting and relaxed environment for all participants, accompanying persons generally cannot observe or actively participate in the sessions.

What exactly happens during a "Connect" session?

• At Tonhalle Zürich: The Vereinssaal opens 30 minutes before the session begins. Drinks are available while you arrive and settle in.
• At Kunsthaus Zürich: You will be warmly welcomed in the old part of the Kunsthaus (Moser Building) from 30 minutes before the session begins and accompanied directly to the room where we will dance.
• The dance session itself lasts one hour, including a short drinks break.
• You may take a break at any time. There is nothing you need to achieve. Every exercise can be adapted to your individual needs.

What should I wear for the sessions?

Simply come in comfortable everyday clothing or light exercise clothing in which you feel at ease. Many participants bring a change of shoes. There are no changing rooms.

How are participants selected?

When allocating places, we take into account the order in which registrations are received. If all places are taken, we will be happy to add you to the waiting list.

How is insurance handled for "Connect"?

Participants are responsible for their own insurance (accident and liability insurance).

How much does it cost to participate?

The season is divided into three blocks. In addition to the 11 to 13 weekly dance sessions, the fee for each course block includes a rehearsal visit at the Zurich Opera House or Tonhalle Zürich as well as the art workshop at Kunsthaus Zürich:

• Regular price: CHF 250 per course block
• Reduced price (for people on low incomes): CHF 180 per course block

Please note: If you would like to support the project beyond this, we would be very grateful for a voluntary donation via our donation page.

Do you have any further questions? Please contact us by email at connect@tonhalle.ch.