Founded in 2016 by former professional ballet dancer Natalie Garry, who had a vision of enriching lives through the power of music and movement, danceSing’s innovative blend of arts and fitness classes have been shown to significantly reduce depression rates by 49% and improve sleep quality by 25% in just 12 weeks.

The business provides a range of services that blend the arts and fitness, including singing and sound, movement, spirit and soul, reminiscence and a non-stop wellbeing radio station.

In 2021, the business entered the care sector, and swiftly expanded in both size and reputation after tailoring its resources for older adults in care settings. The business now has 12 consultants who provide comprehensive training and support to wider care teams across the UK, from Jersey to Shetland. 

In 2022, danceSing won a significant contract with the Scottish Government, which required the business to deliver its classes in 77 care homes across every health board in Scotland.

Through its eight years of operating, Natalie has accessed support from Business Gateway, who have helped to strengthen danceSing’s commercial offering through one-to-one support and advice on business strategy and innovation.

Business Gateway signposted danceSing to Interface, which led to a partnership with the University of Stirling, who are global leaders in ageing and dementia research. Together, they conducted studies on the effects of danceSing’s classes on residents in Balhousie Care Group and Holmes Care Group. These results showed impressive improvements, including a 25% increase in sleep quality, a 31% reduction in fear of falling, and a 49% decrease in depression rates among participants.

The business is now about to embark on a third round of studies with Abbotsford Care Homes, and will be working with some American care homes in 2025.

Lynn Dickson, Business Gateway Clackmannanshire adviser, said: “Natalie’s passion for championing wellbeing through the arts and fitness, combined with her industry expertise, is what sets danceSing apart. These statistics show just how powerful an impact the business’ classes can have.”

Natalie Garry, founder of danceSing, said: “We are so pleased with our work over the last couple of years, and especially of our work with Interface, aimed at evaluating and investing in digital health resources for care homes.

“This initiative focuses on enhancing the wellbeing of older adults through the integration of music and movement-based activities. We are also delighted to have the support of MSP Maree Todd, who has been very supportive of our efforts.

“None of this would be possible without the support of Business Gateway, who have been there through every step of our business journey. I’m so appreciative for their help over the years which has played a big part in getting us where we are today.”