Class instructor Roisin Ladbrook with Participants from Restore Ability’s morning class. Photos: Supplied
According to the University of Sydney, dance has far-reaching health benefits that aid not only physical health, but also cognitive function and mental health.
Dance classes give people the opportunity to be physically active, to reap the benefits of that physical activity with the release of feel-good hormones, and to connect with other people who want to have fun.
With their Restore Ability dance classes, this is an opportunity Roisin and Michaela Ladbrook hope to share with everyone.
Restore Ability is a new program being offered by Restore Space and Studio, the initiative of the Ladbrook sisters.
Roisin said the program is aimed towards allowing individuals with a disability to have their moment on the dance floor.
“The mission is to create a safe, accepting and encouraging space that allows individuals living with a disability the freedom to be creative through dance, movement and music,” she said.
The program began last week where Roisin said a participant shared that she hoped to meet new friends at the class.
“We aim to facilitate this by creating a space that allows for healthy and positive connections to be made between individuals, establishing a community of friends,” she said.
“We aim to improve the health and well-being of all participants, as well as bring them immense joy.”
Roisin is the main dance instructor for the Restore Ability classes.
She is an exercise and sport scientist who currently works as Therapy assistant swim teacher and lifeguard while also having a history of teaching dance classes over many years.
Restore Studio and Space also run contemporary classes for all abilities taught by Michaela Ladbrook.
The sisters say no dance experience is required to attend any of their classes, and they are open to anyone who wants to receive the joy of dance.
“We are all learners in class. The beautiful thing about dance is there is always more to learn and grow in,” Michaela said.
Roisin said the Restore Ability program is created to be adaptable to everyone’s needs and three different classes cater to different participant age groups.
Restore ability classes are held on Mondays with all-abilities Contemporary classes held on Wednesdays for teens and adults.
More information about Restore Studio and Space is available on Facebook or Instagram.
