Dancing into Spring at NUH
This spring, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) is welcoming a new resident dance company Akadami, as part of Arts at NUH, funded by Nottingham Hospitals Charity. Across hospital spaces, from public areas and corridors to wards and waiting rooms, Akadami will bring moments of movement, music and joy through South Asian Dance into everyday hospital life.
The residency follows a successful taster day with Akademi, which made an immediate impact. The gentle rhythms of movement, music and the jingle of bells transformed hospital spaces, offering patients, visitors and staff moments of connection and uplift during the day.
Akademi’s work at NUH forms part of their Dance Well programme, placing highly experienced South Asian dance artists into healthcare settings. Sessions are carefully adapted to each environment, supporting wellbeing, recovery and patient experience.
While the residency will have a particular focus on older care and children’s wards, activity will also take place in atriums, reception areas and other public spaces, allowing as many as possible to watch and join in. For patients unable to attend group sessions, the artists bring dance directly to the bedside, enabling individuals and families to take part together.
The response to the taster day was overwhelmingly positive. One activity coordinator said, “That was a wonderful combination of dance, exercise and music which is very engaging for patients – we would love to have them every week.” A patient added, “That made me feel so wonderful – I feel good inside.”
The day also highlighted the value of arts activity that reflects the diverse communities NUH serves, while offering everyone the chance to experience something new. Several staff members were drawn in by the sound of the dancers’ bells - a familiar rhythm for some and a moment of curiosity for others - creating new moments of connection and a welcome chance to step away from the clinical environment.
With over 25 years of NHS partnerships and more than 7,000 people engaged since 2019, Akademi will return later this year as artists in residence at NUH.
Thanks to support from Nottingham Hospitals Charity, their work will continue to bring colour, culture and joyful movement into our hospital spaces.
"We are thrilled to be welcoming back Akadami later this year as resident dance company, bringing rhythm and grace and into clinical spaces.
"Getting people moving, or simply watching is so important for wellbeing and this offers patients, families and staff moments of connection, strength and joy when it is needed the most” - Lucy Knight Arts coordinator.
Our Arts Programme at Nottingham University Hospitals brings creativity and comfort to patients, staff and visitors every day. From inspiring performances by local musicians and vibrant artwork throughout the hospital wards and corridors, to hands-on creative workshops that support the mental wellbeing and recovery of patients and staff.
This vital programme is funded entirely by donations. Your support helps us to continue to provide art experiences across Nottingham hospitals and creating calmer and more homely spaces across all our hospitals.
Arts Programme At NUH
The Arts Programme is an award-winning arts programme which has helped enhance patient, visitor and staff wellbeing and experience.
Read moreThe Arts Programme at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust was launched in September 2021, and its co-ordination is solely funded by your donations to Nottingham Hospitals Charity.
Donate to the Arts Programme today