'Dance helped me find a bit of myself I'd lost to cancer'

"Learning to trust her body again" was a battle for Julia Freeman after she was twice diagnosed with breast cancer and needed surgery and chemotherapy to recover.

But then she discovered Move to Nurture, a dance class for people affected by cancer, whether just diagnosed, undergoing treatment or living in remission.

Julia is one of the many women who attend the dance group in Plymouth. The free, accessible, classes are led by mother-and-daughter Linda Hesselden and Maryam Pourian.

Sarah McCourt, another member of the group, said: "I found a bit of myself that I'd lost to illness. It is a joy to be in touch with who I used to be."

Linda was one of the first in the UK to teach the Silver Swan repertoire designed by the Royal Academy of Dance, a ballet class specifically designed for people aged over 55.

Linda now has more than 70 "swans", with the eldest turning 90 this year.

She began the classes in 2017 but later found the need for a more accessible version of the class when a few of her "swans" began treatment for cancer. It was then "Move to Nurture" was born.

The beginner-friendly, movement classes are funded by the National Lottery, Macmillan and other supporters. For many, the class is far more than just exercise.

Suzie Eastment, smiled and said: "It's the highlight of my week."

As Move to Nurture is currently the only Dance in Cancer Care class offered in Devon, demand has grow, leading the pair to expand their timetable.

When the BBC attended one of Maryam's classes, the laughter and sense of community in the group hid the reality of what many of them have endured.

Maryam led them through slow, seated or standing movements, focusing on mobility, balance and flexibility. Moving through choreography and some moments of moving intuitively.

As the session came to an end, the music faded and conversation took over. Many agreed the socialising was just as important as the movement.

They chatted about their next social and fundraising plans to take part in Race for Life. Previously they performed at Sterts in Cornwall as a challenge to fundraise for Cancer Research UK.

Move to Nurture, mirrors a shift within the dance industry with organisations recognising the impact dance can have on mental and physical health.

The English National Ballet, which recently returned to Plymouth after 36 years with "Body and Soul", runs engagement programmes such as Dance for Dementia and Dance for Parkinsons which connect it with thousands of adults, children and young people.

"I think it's just wonderful to realise the power of dance for the mind, the body and the soul and the health benefits it offers you," said Aaron Watkin, the company's artistic director.

He added: "You don't need to even speak the language. Everyone can enjoy the movement and the music in their own way."

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has told how dancing in her lounge helped her through chemotherapy, and that even the smallest dance moves improved her bone strength and her mental health during her cancer treatment.

"We've got to get our bodies moving. You could be sat down in a chair, you can participate as little or as much as you want and actually seeing the progression over the weeks is just as rewarding for a teacher as for those taking part," Dowden said.

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