A BORDERS theatre has been selected as one of three new regional hubs for Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland.

The national programme of weekly dance workshops is designed for people living with Parkinson’s disease, as well as their families and carers.

Spearheaded by Scottish Ballet and delivered in partnership with Dance Base, the ground-breaking programme helps improve balance, spatial awareness, confidence, fluidity in movement and overall wellbeing.

The development of three new regional hubs this autumn – in Peebles, Perth and Stirling – expands a programme that has proved hugely popular since it was first established in 2016.

Every week, around 130 participants take part in sessions delivered by Scottish Ballet in Glasgow, Dance Base in Edinburgh and hub partners in Aberdeen, Greenock, Kilmarnock, Inverness and Dundee.

Warm and informal, and suitable for people with no dance experience, the sessions feature elements of ballet and contemporary dance, with a focus on Scottish Ballet’s own repertoire.

Using themes and movements from current productions, specially trained local dance artists Rhiana Laws and Alex Saunders will lead participants to help develop their movement skills.

Dance artist Alex is delighted the sessions are now being held at the Eastgate.

She said: "We are extremely pleased to be part of this important national programme.

"As we establish this new hub, we look forward to working with Jen Cunningham from Dance Base who is mentoring the lead team and inviting new people to the theatre from across the Borders.”

The classes also include activities focussed on problem solving, improvisation, vocal skills and repetition from memory and multi-tasking – all key areas for people living with Parkinson’s.

The classes feature live musical accompaniment by professional musicians and conclude with a social café where participants and tutors can chat together.

The sessions at the Eastgate begin with two free introductory workshops on October 10 and 17, before the eight-week programme begins on Thursday, October 24 (11.15am to 1.15pm).

Tickets for each session are £5, including refreshments, available from Box Office on 01721 725777, and online.