Songs That Move

In collaboration with...

Project aim

To create 10 filmed song performances with accompanying movements, for a groundbreaking pilot programme within the Parkinson's community.

An introduction

Parkinson’s has over forty symptoms and presents uniquely in every person. It is proven that exercise plays a universally vital role in easing the progression of symptoms, whether tremor, stiffness, cramp, insomnia etc. If the brain is simultaneously challenged by other stimuli, this improves neuroplasticity and the outcome is even more positive.

That’s the inspiration behind our innovative programme, Songs That Move. Our vision is to harness the power of classical songs and their stories, and to combine them with movement to exercise both the body and the brain.

With £2,500 already pledged by Parkinson's UK, we are looking to increase the seed-funding for our pilot programme to £20,000. This will enable us to produce ten Songs That Move exercise videos, combining intimate performances by world-renowned artists with carefully tailored exercise routines.

What's the bigger picture?

We will use the pilot videos for a clinical trial, gathering data and feedback from people with lived experience of Parkinson's, before scaling up the project to create a library of songs and exercises catering for a diverse range of neurological conditions. We aim to host the songs on an easily accessible digital platform and for them to be available on prescription.

We are working in collaboration with specialist physiotherapists the Neuro Heroes, with development feedback from Movers & Shakers podcasters Mark Mardell and Gillian Lacey-Solymar.

(Starting voice development work on the project with Mover & Shaker Mark Mardell)

How will it work?

Each video will start with an introduction about the imagery and stories behind each piece, enabling the listener to find a personal connection. The song is then performed in an intimate setting by specialist artists. An exercise video can be played at the same time, featuring a dancer demonstrating specific movements. The movements are both inspired by the words and carefully choreographed to meet a range of different physical needs. The whole experience is also designed to lift mood and inspire imagination.

Who are we?

CREATIVE TEAM

Bibi Heal, singer international soprano, founder Songs That Move

Stephen Barlow, piano international conductor, pianist, composer, podcaster Joanna & the Maestro

Jane Rice-Bowen, producer ex-CEO National Centre for Circus Arts, fundraiser, business consultant

William Tuckett, choreographer ex-Royal Ballet, Olivier Award-winning director

COLLABORATORS

Zenaida Yanowsky, dancer ex-Royal Ballet, principal for 21 years

Dominic Best, film maker award-winning director ROH/Sky Arts series, Kanneh-Mason film

Bridget Foreman, wordsmith published playwright, lecturer University of York, BBC commentator

James Morgan, record producer Morgan Pochin, BBC Singers conductor, has Parkinson’s

Oliver Condy, text content ex-BBC Music Magazine editor for 17 years

Parkinson’s UK, generous support, advice and funding

CONSULTANTS

Neuro Heroes, specialist physiotherapists online neuro-gym founders

Dr Tony Woods, data gather KCL SHAPER director, ex-Wellcome Trust Head of Medical Humanities & Engagement, physiologist

Mark Mardell ex-BBC political correspondent, podcaster Movers & Shakers, has Parkinson’s

Gillian Lacey-Solymar financial analyst, UCL lecturer, ex-BBC journalist, podcaster Movers & Shakers, has Parkinson’s

FUNDING

Original research project funded by Arts Council England, Help Musicians UK, and Great Place Lakes and Dales