SCOTTISH Ballet is expanding its Dance Health programme with an initiative for people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Building on its work with people living with neurological conditions, Scottish Ballet will develop and deliver a programme of dance sessions, with the aim of improving the physical, mental and social wellbeing of those living with MS.

Currently a condition that affects more than 11,000 people living in Scotland, MS is a neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord; causing a range of symptoms such as tremors, spasms and loss of vision.

Working with US institutions such as The University of Florida Center for Arts and Medicine and Georgetown University Medical Center, Scottish Ballet will build on existing research to create their own initiative for MS.

The work will be in partnership with the MS National Therapy Centre (Revive MS Support Glasgow) and MS Society Scotland on the development and delivery of classes in Scotland.

Catherine Cassidy, Director of Engagement at Scottish Ballet, said: "In recent years our work with the Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland and Time to Dance programmes has given us the confidence to begin work on a new dance initiative for those living with Multiple Sclerosis.

"We are delighted to be collaborating with a range of arts and medical specialists from The University of Florida Center for Arts and Medicine and Georgetown University Medical Center, MS Society Scotland and MS Revive.

"As with all our Dance Health activity, classes will be delivered by specialist dance artists and musicians in the Scottish Ballet studios at Tramway. We are excited to welcome our new participants this spring."

For more information and to register interest in the pilot classes, contact Dance Health Co-ordinator Tiffany Stott on tiffany.stott@scottishballet.co.uk.