Community-based dance classes for healthy ageing and fall prevention: pilot trial outcomes and recommendations

Introduction
Evidence-based exercise programs that improve balance and strength can reduce fall risk in older adults but are often unpopular. Our previous evaluation of community-based, tailored dance classes showed high participation and sustained attendance, but their effectiveness for fall prevention remains untested. This pilot trial examined the acceptability and feasibility of a tailored dance intervention and identified program and implementation features to guide future trials.

Method
We conducted a randomised waitlist-controlled pilot delivering a 10‑week, twice‑weekly dance program to community-dwelling adults aged 65+. The intervention incorporated meaningful music, narrative, imagery, accessibility modifications, and a relational teaching approach delivered by experienced dance teachers. Participants completed pre‑ and post‑intervention surveys and functional assessments; a sub-sample participated in semi‑structured interviews. Primary outcome: program acceptability; secondary outcomes: feasibility, social networks, mental health, quality of life, dance and balance self-efficacy, physical activity, falls, physical function, and memory.

Results
Acceptability was high: 98% of participants (n=56) would recommend the program to others like them; 91% wished to continue; 95% endorsed study procedures. Recruitment took 12 weeks and 47% of all expressions of interest (n=139) were screened, enrolled, and randomised (n=63). Retention was 90% (n=57), average class attendance was 86%, and all attended ≥70% of sessions. Intervention participants showed significant improvement in dance self-efficacy (p<0.01); no other quantitative changes were detected. Qualitative interviews (n=19 participants, 4 instructors) expanded the program theory, highlighting mechanisms such as physical and mental benefits, enhanced self-esteem, camaraderie, and emotional uplift. New insights addressed scalability: building trust in unfamiliar communities, adapting to diverse abilities, training instructors from varied dance backgrounds, and managing venue and life circumstance challenges.

Conclusion
The pilot demonstrated that tailored dance programs are acceptable, feasible, and safe, and can be delivered at scale with high engagement. Findings support future evaluation in a larger trial with falls as the primary outcome.