Move Together are dance sessions for women affected by cancer with a focus on the body, movement and creativity.

Open to women at any stage of their cancer journey—whether recently diagnosed, in treatment, post-treatment, or supporting someone with cancer. Reconnect with your body, move creatively, and share space with others who understand. The focus is on joy, creativity, and celebrating everyone as a dancer in a supportive, relaxed setting.

Where: The Heron Room, Heron Tennis Centre, Newquay, TR7 2LZ

When: 10.30am – 12.30pm

Our first session back after Easter break will be Monday 28th April. There will be a break for half term on the 26th May and our last session before Summer break will be Mon 7th July.

Cost: This is FREE!

Parking:
Parking is available immediately in front of the building in the adjacent Trenance Car Park (£3.40 for 2 hrs and FREE 1st Nov - 31st March) or there is free on-street parking nearby.

Disabled Access:
The Heron Room is on the first floor with access by stairs or lift. There is a café and toilets on the ground floor.

This project is funded by People’s Health Trust, using money raised by Health Lottery South West and National Lottery Community Fund.

class information

Sessions are led by Sam Lawrence, a Dance Centred Practitioner and member of the Move Dance Feel network, with support from dance artist Miranda Howard. Each session gently unfolds with a seated movement meditation, warm-ups, and playful creative tasks. You'll explore your own movements alongside simple taught sequences, with fabulous and varied music guiding the way.

We create dances together—sometimes in pairs, small groups or all as one—and there’s always space for laughter, conversation and creative play. Words, drawing, poetry and mark-making often make an appearance, and we always end with a relaxing wind-down. It’s nourishing, uplifting and open to all.

If you have any questions, please email us at, info@dancecentred.co.uk or call on, 07939 167526

exercise on your own terms

Everyone is encouraged to move at their own pace – our bodies and energy levels are all very different. Some participants do the whole session seated, others use a chair or just have a rest whenever they feel they need it.

The group has a strong culture of acceptance, trust and understanding. Our research shows that these sessions are a great way to be more physically active, so you will definitely get plenty of exercise, but It’s exercise on your terms.

buddy up

We know that it can be a bit daunting sometimes to join a new group on your own, so we offer a ‘buddy system’ for anyone coming along for the first time. A member of the group could contact you before your first session, have a chat and arrange to meet you at the Heron Centre so you have someone to go through the door with and at least one vaguely familiar face in the group! Just let us know when you book if you would like to use this.

FAQ - move together

  • The sessions are open to all women affected by cancer – whether recently diagnosed, currently undergoing treatment, many years in remission or caring for someone with cancer. They are FREE to attend.

  • The Heron Room is on the first floor with access by stairs or lift. There is a café and toilets on the ground floor.

    Parking is available immediately in front of the building in the adjacent Trenance Car Park (£3.40 for 2 hrs and FREE 1st Nov - 31st March) or there is free on-street parking nearby.

  • No experience of dance is needed and sessions are suitable for all energy and fitness levels. We dance in bare feet or soft, comfortable indoor shoes.

    Just wear whatever clothes are comfortable and easy to move in, and plenty of layers – it can get warm when we’re moving and cooler when we’re still. Bring an extra layer for when we stretch and relax and a water bottle.

  • The short answer is no - the content of each session varies, so you get to try lots of new things. Everyone is encouraged to more at their own pace, seated or standing with rest breaks whenever you want them.

    As well as movement, the session will include a nice relaxation time at the end, time to chat and in some sessions, we might write, draw or scribble our ideas - Sam will guide and lead you in this.

  • You don’t have to come every week (its rare that anyone can) but we do still need you to sign up for our funding requirements.

  • It can be daunting sometimes to join a new group on your own, so we offer a ‘buddy system’ for anyone coming along for the first time. You might want to meet up beforehand to chat about the group, or arrange for one of our group members to meet and walk in with you. Just let us know when you book if you would like us to connect you with a buddy.

  • If you have any other questions feel free to reach out by
    Email info@dancecentred.co.uk, contact Sam direct on 07939 167526 or you can chat further in the session.

Since starting I have been sleeping so much better.

I feel like I’m living well with cancer, rather than dying from it.

It has changed my life. I have more energy, better sleep, less stress and I’m more active.
— Move Together dance artists

As featured in Active Cornwall’s ‘Live Longer Better’ magazine.

See the digital magazine →

 

In October 2023 NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly asked us to be part of their community conversations for a project called “Your story shapes our future”. The stories are shared at the monthly Integrated Care Board Meetings so members can from patients with lived experience.

Here are the stories of Maz and Sally with their experiences of being supported by the Move Together project. You can find out more about the “Your Stories” project here

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