Fallen Angels Dance: Grooving Through Recovery and Mental Health

In the city of Chester, a unique dance group called Fallen Angels Dance Theatre is making a difference in the lives of people who have struggled with addiction and mental health issues. The group gathers in a dance studio, where members wear comfortable gym clothes and work together to perfect their dance routines. They are currently preparing for an important performance at the Royal Opera House in London, which has already sold out. The dancers have all faced difficult times in their lives, but they have found strength and friendship in each other. Michelle Hughes, one of the group members, explains, 'We've all been through trauma and our own journey. We're a supportive community. '

Michelle joined Fallen Angels Dance Theatre in 2021. She first heard about the group through her job as an alcohol misuse engagement worker at the Countess of Chester Hospital. However, she decided to attend the sessions for her own well-being after she suffered a serious head injury and lost two family members in a short period of time. Michelle shares, 'It has really helped. I'm a recovering alcoholic, nearly 16 years now. I didn't want to turn to drink, which is why I came to the group for myself. The group is fantastic. As I'm severely visually impaired, people are really supportive and help me. '

Another member, Tom Denbigh, discovered the group during a visit to the Tate art gallery in Liverpool. Tom has been attending the dance classes for seven years after being diagnosed with PTSD from his childhood. He is no stranger to dancing, having met his wife at a ballroom dance, and he admits he is always the first one on the dance floor at weddings. Tom recalls, 'What surprised me is the emotion I felt when I first went. At my first session I was virtually in tears all the way through it because of some emotion it had brought up. '

Hayden Etienne, from Liscard on Merseyside, joined the group three years ago after dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. He says, 'The group opened doors to meet other people who had faced similar struggles. I meet regularly with like-minded souls – people who have had their own journey so there is no ego there. ' Claire Morris, the creative and strategic director at Fallen Angels Dance Theatre, believes the project allows its members to create memories that will last a lifetime. She explains, 'If you've had those challenges in your life then your mind can be very busy, very distracted and very conflicting. But you come to Fallen Angels and you get out of your mind and into your body and it just releases all those tensions and all those worries of the week. '

The group is set to perform 'Holding Light,' choreographed by Russell Maliphant, at London's Royal Opera House in September. They will also perform at Chester's Storyhouse and Liverpool's Everyman Theatre. Fallen Angels Dance Theatre hopes to inspire others by showing how dance can help people recover from difficult experiences and build a supportive community.