How Dance Is Moving Redbridge Towards a Healthier, Happier Community
Dance isn’t just for the stage – it’s for everyone. That’s the message behind the Colours of Redbridge Dance for Fitness programme, a transformative 12-week initiative that brought movement, joy, and connection to hundreds of residents across the borough.
Run in partnership with world-renowned dance company Rambert, the programme proved that dance can, do more than entertain – it can improve both physical and mental wellbeing. Weekly classes welcomed people of all abilities, with a particular focus on older adults and individuals with disabilities, offering a safe and inspiring space to get moving, connect with others, and have fun.
Participants didn’t just learn new steps – they built strength, confidence, and felt part of a community, experiencing different dance styles from Indian dance and 70s disco to Caribbean rhythms and popping and locking. Many reported feeling healthier, more confident, and more energised, with an average 17% improvement in overall wellbeing during the course.
The programme gained national attention too, with special visits from Angela Rippon MBE, Wes Streeting MP, and Strictly Come Dancing’s Kai Widdrington, highlighting how dance can play a powerful role in community health.
Following its success, Colours of Redbridge is proud to support the Let’s Dance campaign and has announced an ongoing partnership with Rambert, with new sessions returning to Redbridge in September 2025. Sign up to Colours of Redbridge eNewsletter to ensure you are the first to know when the next programme is available.
Because when we move together, we thrive together.
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Wes Streeting MP for Ilford North said: “As we all know, prevention is better than a cure, and dance can be an amazing way to stay fit. So, I want to see Redbridge and Britain get moving, keeping healthy through dance and keeping out of hospital, which is better for patients, our NHS and taxpayers. Projects like Dance for Fitness and Let’s Dance can be key parts of making that positive change in people’s lives to build strength through something fun. It’s so exciting to have Angela Rippon inspiring my local community and getting Britain dancing!”
Angela Rippon MBE and Let’s Dance founder said: “Dance is the perfect exercise to improve the health and wellbeing of mind and body, regardless of age or physical condition, and a great way to meet new people and beat isolation and loneliness.”
Pete Nichols, Colours of Redbridge Programme Director said: “We’re so proud of the Dance for Fitness programme in Redbridge as it is something that local community members have helped us to design and deliver. We are delighted to meet with Angela, Kai and Wes today to support the Let’s Dance campaign and show the power that dancing has had on our community.”
Roopal Mehta, Colours of Redbridge Community Producer said: “This is such a good way of getting everyone together. There aren’t many opportunities for disabled people to get involved in this kind of dance, so making it accessible really made a difference to me. Dancing is great exercise – you can enjoy yourself and get fit at the same time.”
