Connect: Dancing with neurological challenges
The successful Connect project, jointly organised by the Tonhalle-Gesellschaft Zurich, Zurich Opera House and the Kunsthaus, is entering its third season.
‘Connect’ is a dance project for people living with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease. The programme is specifically aimed at people with chronic neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease. It is specifically designed to address symptoms caused by these progressive changes in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
‘Connect’ is jointly supported by the Tonhalle-Gesellschaft Zürich, the Zurich Opera House and the Kunsthaus Zurich.
The training sessions draw on the long-standing expertise of the Dance & Creative Wellness Foundation and are co-designed by members of the independent dance group The Field and dance teachers from the Zurich Opera House. In addition, musicians from the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich enrich individual dance classes with live performances.
From a vision to an established institution
In February 2024, the Zurich Ballet, the Tonhalle-Gesellschaft Zürich, the independent performance group The Field and the Dance & Creative Wellness Foundation launched the successful pilot phase of ‘Connect’. Shortly afterwards, the Kunsthaus Zurich also joined as a new partner. Since then, dance sessions have been held regularly in the Tonhalle’s club hall and amidst the art collection. Alongside rehearsal visits to the Opera House and the Tonhalle Zurich, these encounters with the visual arts now also provide creative perspectives and inspiration for movement.
Due to high demand and overwhelmingly positive feedback, ‘Connect’ has been permanently integrated into the programme of the three cultural institutions for the 2025/26 season. To enable as many interested people as possible to take part, the programme has since been expanded to include a third group. As a result, around 100 people now dance with us every week.
Why dance and music?
Recent neurological research identifies dance as an ideal intervention for people living with MS or Parkinson’s disease. It highlights the role of dance and music in overcoming motor challenges, as well as in improving psychosocial wellbeing and quality of life.
The structure of ‘Connect’ is based on evidence-based research at the innovative intersection of dance and neurology. Movement offers participants the opportunity to forge a deep connection with themselves and their surroundings. Dancing strengthens the body, promotes coordination, improves posture and trains balance. Furthermore, it shapes and fosters personal expression and creativity. And above all, dancing is great fun – which has been shown to lead to a positive outlook on life.
Connect in the 2026/27 season
From autumn 2026, weekly training sessions will take place in three groups. These will be led by professional dance practitioners with relevant expertise.
In terms of content, each training programme will focus over several weeks on an exhibition at the Kunsthaus Zürich, a musical programme by the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich or a choreography by the Zurich Ballet. During the sessions, participants will explore these works from various perspectives under the guidance of the teaching artists. This allows participants to immerse themselves in an environment that is inspiring from a musical, artistic and dance perspective.
Block 1: 2 October to 18 December 2026
In the first block, we will be exploring ‘Turn’, a work by Dieter Ammann, set to music by Sergei Prokofiev. Conceived as an ‘Adagio’, ‘Turn’ focuses entirely on the vertical organisation of the orchestral sound and, at a surprising turning point, abruptly transforms the dense musical atmosphere into something entirely new. We will also attend the dress rehearsal of the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich, conducted by Paavo Järvi, featuring works by Dieter Ammann and Sergei Prokofiev.
Block 2: 8 January to 22 March 2027
The second block focuses on the exhibition ‘Maria Lassnig and Edvard Munch – The Flow of Painting = The Flow of Life’. Both artists used colour as a means of expression for inner and outer states such as emotions, bodily sensations and their relationship to the world. For both, painting was a form of self-exploration and represented the inseparable connection between life and art.
3rd block: 2 April to 2 July 2027
In the final block, we will explore Justin Peck’s ballet ‘Paz de la Jolla’. Inspired by Peck’s childhood in Southern California and Bohuslav Martinů’s vibrant score, we will explore group formations, subtle rhythmic structures and the poetic metaphor of the beach and the ocean in our dance classes. And we’ll attend the orchestra rehearsal for the ballet ‘See the music, hear the dance’ – a fascinating, three-part evening at the Opera House featuring choreographies by George Balanchine, Cathy Marston and Justin Peck.
When and where?
The weekly dance classes take place on Friday afternoons in the foyer and the club hall of the Tonhalle Zürich, or in the exhibition rooms of the Kunsthaus Zürich.
Interested in Connect?
You can join the courses at any time during the season, provided there are places available. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you would like to take part in ‘Connect’, please complete this form.
Neue Tanzangebote für die Schweiz
In der Schweiz gibt es noch wenige Tanzstunden für Menschen, die mit Parkinson oder MS leben. Wir nehmen das grosse Interesse von Betroffenen an «Connect» als Auftrag wahr, andere Institutionen und Tanzschaffende zu motivieren, Tanzangebote für Menschen mit neurologischen Herausforderungen in Zürich und anderen Regionen der Schweiz zu lancieren. Seit Herbst 2025 gibt es in Basel, Luzern und Lausanne ähnliche Projekte; die bestehenden Angebote in Zürich und Bern wurden erfolgreich ausgebaut.
Donations
To ensure the long-term future of the ‘Connect’ project and enable it to continue, we rely on support from both private individuals and organisations. Every donation directly helps to fund the weekly dance sessions, as well as the live music, rehearsal visits and museum trips.
Patronage
Cathy Marston, Director of Ballet and Chief Choreographer at Ballett Zürich
Ilona Schmiel, Artistic Director of the Tonhalle Society, Zurich
Ann Demeester, Director of the Kunsthaus Zürich
Scientific advice
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Zurich: Parkinson’s Team and MS Team
- Elevate® Scottish Ballet: Specialists from the dance programme for people with MS
Collaboration
- Tonhalle Society, Zurich
- Zurich Opera House / Zurich Ballet
- Kunsthaus Zurich
- The Field
- Dance & Creative Wellness Foundation
Supported by
- Otto Beisheim Foundation
- Bossi Foundation
- Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Society
Questions and Answers
General information about the project
Why should people with neurological challenges dance?
Dancing is an extremely diverse activity that uniquely combines physical, cognitive, creative and social aspects. Whilst dance groups for people with Parkinson’s have been established worldwide since 2001 and a programme for people with multiple sclerosis was launched in Scotland in 2019, ‘Connect’ is the first comparable project in Switzerland.
Is ‘Connect’ a form of dance therapy?
No. We deliberately refer to our participants as dancers, not as patients. Nevertheless, all those leading the sessions have in-depth and specific expertise in meeting the particular requirements of this programme.
What makes ‘Connect’ special?
The project is characterised by three pillars:
- Live music: Some dance sessions are accompanied live by musicians from the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich.
- Cultural participation: In addition to the sessions, participants are invited to attend rehearsals at the Zurich Opera House and the Tonhalle Zurich, and are given exclusive guided tours of the Kunsthaus Zurich.
- Sustainability: The project is linked to targeted further training for cultural practitioners, with the aim of promoting such inclusive initiatives throughout Switzerland.
Medical background & impact
What effect does dancing have on people with Parkinson’s?
In Parkinson’s disease, a lack of dopamine causes symptoms such as balance problems, muscle stiffness (rigidity), shaking (tremor), slowness of movement or what is known as ‘freezing’. Over 2,000 studies have now shown that physical activity can demonstrably slow the progression of the disease – which is particularly important, as this has not yet been possible through medication or surgery alone.
Dancing is considered highly effective in this regard, as it trains coordination and fluid movement. Furthermore, the music acts as an external metronome, compensating for the loss of an internal sense of rhythm and thus specifically helping to combat ‘freezing’ problems.
What effect does dancing have on people with MS?
Multiple sclerosis usually progresses in relapses and manifests itself in a wide variety of symptoms, such as balance problems, signs of paralysis, chronic exhaustion (fatigue) or difficulty concentrating. Dancing is regarded as an extremely valuable activity for people with MS, which can have neuroprotective (nerve-protecting) or even neuroregenerative effects. It has also been shown to help alleviate symptoms of fatigue and improve cognitive concentration.
Can these results be scientifically substantiated?
Yes. Imaging techniques show that dancing is often more effective for brain activity than conventional, purely physical exercise. Changes in cortical structure, as well as positive effects on the nervous system, can now be clearly demonstrated through specific blood markers and neurological studies.
How often should one train for it to be beneficial?
Studies show that two one-hour sessions per week would be ideal. For organisational reasons, ‘Connect’ takes place once a week. However, the movements and principles learnt can be easily integrated into everyday life.
Are the results of ‘Connect’ scientifically evaluated?
Yes. The project is supported in an advisory capacity by doctors from the University Hospital of Zurich. A scientific research project is also currently underway, investigating the impact of our artistic dance practice on well-being, quality of life and recovery. Participation in this is entirely voluntary for our dancers. Regardless of this, we conduct an anonymous survey at the end of each season to continuously improve the programme.
Participation & Requirements
What physical requirements must be met?
There are no barriers: you can take part in the dance sessions whilst standing or sitting. Participation with a walking frame or in a wheelchair is also possible without restriction. The only important thing is that you are aware of your own limitations (e.g. regarding the risk of falling) and communicate your needs openly with the course leaders and assistants.
Are the sessions intended exclusively for people with Parkinson’s and MS?
In principle, yes. The programme is specifically designed for people who are struggling with symptoms caused directly by conditions affecting the central nervous system (i.e. the brain or spinal cord). For this reason, these target groups are given priority when places are allocated. However, the registration form allows you to specify a different neurological diagnosis. We will then carefully assess each individual case to determine whether participation in these groups is appropriate and safe.
Can accompanying persons be present during the training sessions?
To ensure a safe, trusting and relaxed environment for all participants, accompanying persons are generally not permitted to watch from the room or take an active part.
Procedure & Organisational Details
What exactly happens during a ‘Connect’ training session?
- At the Tonhalle Zürich: The club hall opens 30 minutes before the session begins. Drinks are provided to welcome you on arrival.
- At the Kunsthaus Zürich: You will be warmly welcomed in the old part of the Kunsthaus (Moser Building) from 30 minutes before the session begins and escorted directly to the room where we will be dancing.
- The actual dance session lasts one hour, including a short drink break.
- You are free to take a break at any time. There is no pressure to achieve anything. Each exercise can be adapted to suit your own needs.
What should I wear for the sessions?
Just come in comfortable everyday clothes or light, flexible clothing that you feel comfortable in. Many participants bring a change of shoes. There are no cloakrooms.
How are participants selected?
When allocating places, we take into account the order in which registrations are received. If all places are full, we’ll be happy to put you on the waiting list.
How is ‘Connect’ organised in terms of insurance?
Insurance is the responsibility of the participants (accident and third-party liability insurance).
How much does it cost to take part?
The season is divided into three blocks. The price of a course block fully covers not only the 11 to 13 weekly dance lessons but also a visit to a rehearsal at the Opera House or the Tonhalle, as well as the art workshop at the Kunsthaus Zürich:
- Standard price: CHF 250 per course block
- Reduced price (for those on low incomes): CHF 180 per course block
Please note: If you would like to support the project further, we would be very grateful for a voluntary donation via our donations page.
Contact
Do you have any further questions? Please get in touch with us by emailing connect@tonhalle.ch.
