My passion and inspiration came from dancing with my grandma, who lived with dementia in her later years. I danced with her right up until the end, and those moments have stayed with me ever since. They inspired my belief that dance isn’t just for the young or the professionally trained — it’s something that can bring people of all ages together, create memories and simply make us smile.
Why we started Flourish
I went on to study Dance & Teaching, but during my training, I sustained an injury and experienced my own rehabilitation journey, including lots of physiotherapy. Through this experience, I realised how frustrating it can be when exercise feels repetitive, difficult or simply like a chore.
Combining My Passion for Dance with Accessible Exercises for Strength, Balance, and Mobility
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I remember thinking, “If I feel like this, there must be so many others who feel the same.”
This inspired me to create Flourish Dance Wellbeing, with the aim of making movement feel fun, engaging and something to look forward to. I’ve combined my passion for dance and movement with exercises that encourage strength, balance, coordination and mobility, creating sessions that are accessible, enjoyable and adaptable for different abilities.
Since then, Flourish has grown into so much more than I could have imagined. We feel incredibly lucky to do what we do, and one of the most rewarding parts is the wonderful relationships we’ve built along the way. Over time, many of the residents and care teams we visit become much more than ‘clients’ — they become our friends.
Who benefits?
Dementia & Alzheimer's Care
Using familiar music and tailored themes to evoke meaningful memories, encourage connection, and lift spirits long after the session ends*.
Wheelchair Users
Seated choreography ensures residents can safely participate, stretch, and engage with our interactive props in their own way.
All Abilities & Mobility Levels
From gentle, low-impact exercise to simply sitting back and enjoying the live theatrical performance, everyone is included.
Everyone! Inclusive of all abilities, including those living with dementia, chair-bound, or those with limited mobility.
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Our sessions incorporate gentle, low-impact movement, helping residents stay active in a fun and enjoyable way.
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Whether it’s having a dance with the teacher, dancing with one another, sharing stories or reminiscing to familiar music, our sessions create opportunities for connection, conversation and togetherness. Familiar songs and themes can also evoke memories and help residents connect with moments that are meaningful to them.
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Familiar music, fun themes, live performances and the opportunity to participate can create moments of happiness, important for our overall wellbeing!
Every movement matters
There are many ways to benefit from a Flourish session - but whatever participation looks like, it all counts!
Our teachers are trained and insured to deliver sessions in care and nursing homes, giving you peace of mind that your residents are in safe, professional and caring hands.
Our Specialist Teachers
Meet Lauren
Founder & teacher
Covering Bristol, Bath and surrounding areas!
I’m a professionally trained dance teacher with a passion for inclusive movement, wellbeing and bringing people together through dance.
I hold a First Class BA (Hons) Dance Degree from De Montfort University, where I developed a strong foundation in dance, anatomy, teaching and community practice. I’ve also gained experience working across care and community settings, including with children and adults with disabilities, primary school workshops and older adults. I’m passionate about creating sessions where everyone can take part in their own way.
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At weekends, you’ll also find me at Theatretrain Bristol, where I’m Junior Company Director, teaching the Minis. I love teaching across all ages — from 4 to 104! For me, dance has no age limit, and I love seeing the joy it can bring.
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BA (Hons) in Dance | Dementia Friend | Mental Health Awareness Qualified | Care Experience | Enhanced DBS Checked | Fully Insured | Pro Member of EMD UK
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Favourite Dance Style?
Jazz
Favourite Song?
Anything Abba!
Fun facts
I’m a twin!
I won a 1-1 fitness session with Karen Hauer, best known for dancing on Strictly!
Meet Polly
Teacher
Covering Bristol and surrounding areas!
She holds an ISTD Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) and is a Registered Teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). She is also a Dementia Friend with experience working in the care sector. Alongside Flourish, she is a DDmix instructor and teaches both adults and children at local dance schools in Bristol.
With extensive training in ballet, tap, modern, jazz and contemporary, Polly brings a wealth of dance experience to her Flourish sessions. She loves creating fun, positive experiences through movement and music, making sure everyone feels included and able to join in their own way.
We’re delighted to have Polly as part of the Flourish team!
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Favourite Dance Style?
Jazz
Favourite Song?
Bohemian Rhapsody
Fun fact
Attended a dance workshop led by Darcy Bussell - a former Strictly judge!
Meet Nicole
Teacher
Covering Oxford, Bicester, Banbury & surrounding areas!
Nicole is a real ray of sunshine and brings so much warmth, energy and enthusiasm to every Flourish session. She has been dancing from a young age and has always loved performing, even taking to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall with her dance school! She has extensive experience teaching in the care and community sector.
Her passion for performance led her to study at the D&B School of Performing Arts in London, where she graduated with a Diploma in Musical Theatre! She is highly experienced in teaching in the care and community sector.
We’re delighted to have her as part of the Flourish team!
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Alongside Flourish, Nicole also teaches Baby Ballet, sharing her love of movement and dance with little ones too. You may even be lucky enough to have her little boy and mini helper join in when he’s not at school!
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Favourite Dance Style?
Musical Theatre
Favourite Song?
‘Part of your World’ from the Little Mermaid... I’m a huge Disney fan!
Fun fact
I’ve performed at The Royal Albert Hall!
Proud to work alongside care homes and leading care providers across the UK
We’re more than just an ‘excerise’ class
Flourish brings themed dance, live performances and entertainment directly to residents, creating something new to enjoy every month.