Dancing Our Way to Connection
Photography credit: Milly Nixon Photography
“Wonderful experience. For me, these sessions reset my nervous system, help me free myself of the weekly stressors and bring moments of joy. I simply find myself immersed in nature smiling whilst dancing, feeling free.”
“I had some reservations about trying this for the first time, but I was delighted that I did! Any nerves went away immediately with the friendly atmosphere and informative beginning. It was a brilliant hour that left me glowing, can’t wait for the next.”
In June and July 2025, something truly special happened in the heart of Hartsholme Country Park. Thanks to the generous support of the Lincoln Community Lottery, we were able to bring our unique free-movement dance events into the beautiful woodland for a programme we called ’Dance Free in the Woodland’.
Our goal was simple yet powerful: to create a safe space for local residents to Hartsholme Park to move, connect with nature, and find community. We particularly wanted to reach those who might be feeling isolated, anxious, or just in need of a little joy.
A Community Blossoms
Across six events, 31 people aged from 26 to 77, danced with us, some regularly. For 25 of them, this was their very first time experiencing free-movement dance in nature.
The spirit of community was infectious. Many people who loved it so much they came back for more sessions, and a few even brought their adult children to join in the fun. This programme wasn't just a one-time activity; it was the start of new connections. We saw people stay after the dance to share a cup of tea, and lots have joined our Dance Free community WhatsApp group.
The Power of Movement and Nature
The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive and spoke directly to the profound impact of the sessions. Results from our survey to participants showed just how much dancing in nature matters:
Mood Boost: A staggering 83% of participants left the session in a great mood. In fact, 73% of those who started feeling low-spirited found themselves feeling great by the end.
Mental & Physical Wellness: We heard from participants that these events were "of essential importance for my wellbeing". 89% of attendees felt they had found a new way to look after their mental health.
Nature Connection: Dancing among the trees truly deepened our relationship with nature. 96% of participants felt significantly closer to nature after a session. This connection even inspired action, with 89% of people feeling more committed to helping the environment afterward. After the dance we often shared ideas on how we could take make small changes to our lifestyle to help protect the planet.
The words of our dancers say it all; "what a fantastic activity, a great way to meet others and feel energised," the comments captured the pure joy and positive change that took place. One person, who was initially hesitant, shared that their nerves "went away immediately with the friendly atmosphere." Another simply called it "the best hour of 2025 so far!"
Community and Volunteer Engagement
The Dance Free programme extended its positive influence beyond the sessions themselves. The programme's visibility in Hartsholme Country Park generated curiosity and positive comments from passersby, helping to raise awareness of the benefits of free-movement dance and connection with nature.
The programme also benefited from strong community support and collaboration.
Volunteering - 13 individuals volunteered to support the programme, helping with promotion, both online and by putting up posters, while others assisted with setting up equipment at the events.
Community Partnerships - Support from Hartsholme Country Park, Lincoln City Council, local businesses and organisations such as Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service, Active Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire Recovery College, who all helped to promote the sessions to individuals who would benefit most from them.
Milly Nixon Photography captured wonderful images of the essence of dancing in nature at one of the sessions.
We are so grateful to the Lincoln Community Lottery for helping us bring this vision to life. The success of this programme has shown us that there is a real need for these kinds of spaces, and we are excited to announce that we'll be continuing to offer Dance Free sessions in Lincoln city all year round. These will be offered as donation based tickets and other flexible booking options.
Thank you to everyone who came, danced, and connected with us. Let's keep moving, keep connecting, and keep celebrating the joy of dance!
“The best hour of 2025 so far!”
“We, as a group of six friends, took part in this event in Hartsholme Park. It was a beautiful day, the air was clear and we danced our hearts out. There was plenty of space to feel free and express yourself. Hannah was excellent and the whole group was a pleasure to be with. My group is going again very soon.”