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Mara Galleazi, principal ballerina with The Royal Ballet: "Too often ballet is perceived to be elite and not for all people. I have spent much of my career challenging such attitudes. I have my own Foundation which raises awareness about dance in the UK, Europe and recently in Africa, where I worked for children living with HIV/AIDS. Reach 4 Dance is inspirational and not only provides a marvellous opportunity for new audiences but also allows dancers to learn new skills in working closely with their audience. Reach 4 Dance has my full support and Janssen-Cilag is to be congratulated for supporting such an innovative programme."
Errol Pickford, former principal dancer with The Royal Ballet, West Australian Ballet and internationally renowned ballet teacher: "As a young artist with the Royal Ballet, Ray Rowden introduced me and other artists to the experience of dancing in hospitals. A dancer in the theatre is on stage, looking out to a dark auditorium. In a hospital, the dancer is intimate with the audience and gets the chance for immediate feedback through conversation. This improves the confidence of dancers and is incredibly rewarding. I have supported Reach 4 Dance since its inception and have had the pleasure of providing workshops with Reach 4 Dance in India and Japan. The programme is fantastic and it gives me pleasure to actively support the project."
"What can I say, the event was marvellous and a huge success. Everyone I have spoken to has been full of praise and found it both instructive and very entertaining. A fun day. We all wondered at the grace, strength and precision of the dancers, whose commitment is an inspiration."
Ward Manager, Coventry Mental Health Services
"For one magical afternoon it did not feel like a psychiatric unit."
Patient, Royal Free Hospital, London
"As a dancer the immediate connection and feedback from the audience is amazing."
Dancer commenting after a performance in Hull
"We would absolutely welcome any other type of event with this or any other type of dance, please come back to our neck of the woods again."
Occupational Therapist, Nottingham Mental Health Services
"Thank you so much again and please thank the dancers for a wonderful event, I am going to explore salsa classes locally."
Patient, Prospect Park Unit, Reading
"During the session a couple of people appeared keen to get up and join in. After the workshop many who are normally reluctant enjoyed the lack of pressure and felt able to stay in the group longer than they normally would."
OT assistant, Roehampton Huntercombe Hospital
"Our trip to see the Royal Opera House working was amazing. I think I may now go and see a live performance."
Resident, Look Ahead, East London
"Two patients returned to the Intensive Care ward and carried on dancing and moving, demonstrating some of what they had done to staff back on the ward."
Ward Manager, Ealing Mental Health Services
"I loved the variety of dance styles, from classical ballet to body popping. The show just eased the boredom of my stay in hospital. Just magic!"
Patient, Lambeth Mental Health Services