Allied Health staff showed off their impressive pliés and port de bras as part of a new trial at PA Hospital, putting a spin on traditional exercises for rehabilitation patients.
The specially designed program in partnership with Queensland Ballet showcases the mobility and strength benefits that dance has to offer.
Dozens of PAH staff including Physiotherapist Gretta Palmer donned their best tutus to trial the program before it’s rolled out to patients.
“We had a lot of fun, lots of smiles and lots of giggles. I’ve felt muscles that I haven’t moved in a while, it was a great way to start the day.
“I can see lots of benefits on multiple different levels in terms of physical strength and flexibility, balance, core stability, and just for putting a smile on people’s faces. It’s very uplifting and really does make you happy,” she said.
The trial class was an opportunity for staff to better understand the types of moves involved and their difficulty, to ensure appropriate referrals are made.
Director of Queensland Ballet’s Van Norton Li Community Health Institute Zara Gomes said she was impressed by the enthusiasm of staff, who certainly raised the bar.
“I think everyone really enjoyed it, they had lots of really great questions and observations at the end as well.
“The purpose of this program is to be an additional benefit for patients who are in rehab to experience the joy of movement but in a different way – with music, artistry, focusing on the dance rather than the exercises.
“We’re trialling this at the PA and STARS, so we’re working with the hospitals for what we think will work best for patients,” she said.
PA Hospital and Queensland Ballet are hoping to see patients benefit from this ballet rehab program soon, which was made possible thanks to funding from the Queensland Government.
Queensland Ballet received $750,000 across three years, to deliver programs through the new Van Norton Li Community Health Institute.
The programs will be offered to key groups in the community, residential aged care facilities, and various hospital settings until 30 June 2026.