CDMT is delighted to support Let’s Dance!
Let’s Dance! is a new revolutionary dance initiative headed by Angela Rippon and some of Britain’s brightest dance stars to get the nation fit and help the NHS. The event will bring together all of the UK’s top dance organisations, companies, clubs, studios, and 55,000 teachers – with the backing of major health charities, medical experts and government departments – as they open their doors to anyone of any age to get involved, enjoy the magic of dance, feel the health benefits and have fun.
At the launch, Angela Rippon said
“Don’t ever underestimate the power of dance as a total exercise for mind and body. You don’t have to be good at it – you just have to do it and enjoy it.
It has enormous benefits for people living with, or recuperating from serious medical conditions. It really is the perfect way to maintain a strong and healthy body throughout your life into your senior years. You get fit, stay fit, and have a huge amount of fun.
I defy anyone to dance without a smile on your face”
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said
“Angela is dancing up a storm to support this Government’s mission to rebuild the NHS and shift care from sickness to prevention.
Through our 10 Year Health Plan we will build a healthy society. And even if you’ve got two left feet, brilliant initiatives like Angela’s are a great way to keep fit, kick up your heels, and meet others – having a positive impact on your health and wellbeing while reducing your risk of developing serious illnesses.”
Supporting Let’s Dance!, Dame Arlene Phillips said
“I’ve been dancing all my life and eventually, it became my career so I know how dance can keep you fit and healthy and is the most exciting way to exercise as well as every class you take brings you together meeting new people and having fun. When Angela talked to me about Let’s Dance! I jumped to the chance to be involved, so I’m asking you to get involved and Let’s Dance! on Sunday 2 March.”
Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer, said
“Keeping physically active is one of the best ways to maintain health – and dance is an excellent way to do this, whilst maintaining balance, social connections and being enjoyable at all ages.”
Professor Julian Redhead, National Clinical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care for NHS England, said
“No matter what style or how much rhythm – or lack thereof – you have, dancing brings joy and has a huge impact on our physical and mental health.
That’s why we’re proud to get behind this brilliant initiative to get people moving and we will be encouraging people to get dancing this March for National Dance Day.”
Lord Darzi, Director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation, said
“Dance is a unique combination of both physical and mental exercise with tangible impact on overall health and mental wellbeing. I wholeheartedly support this initiative to get people of all ages and backgrounds dancing, which aligns with the national agenda to move from treatment to prevention in healthcare.”
CDMT Director, Glyndwr Jones, said
“We all know at first hand the powerful impact that experience of dance and the performing arts can unlock for individuals, and their communities, throughout society. Some will, through that exposure, come to see the world differently, undergoing potentially life-changing and mind-expanding transformations. Others will, through dedication and hard work, go on to pursue their passion and the highest level. CDMT is pleased to be supporting Angela’s Let’s Dance initiative and we encourage everyone to join in and experience the benefits and joy of this health and fitness superpower!”
To get involved in National Dance Day on 2 March, see the Let’s Dance! website.