Using dance to support women’s health and wellbeing

A Fulham GP is combining medicine, movement and dance to create new opportunities for women to connect, build confidence and invest in their wellbeing.

Dr Nirja Joshi, a Fulham GP and women’s health expert, is leading Empower Her: Dance for Wellbeing, a new community programme offering free dance and movement sessions for women living in the borough, with no previous dance experience required.

Supported by Hammersmith & Fulham Council and the local community, the programme combines dance and movement with conversations around mental wellbeing, stress and burnout.

The first session, Commercial Dance with Doctor Dancing, takes place on Sunday 13 September, followed by larger workshops and a four-week programme of dance fitness classes.

“Empower Her is about creating a welcoming space where women can come together and invest in themselves,” Nirja said.

Dance, health and connection

As both a doctor and dancer, Nirja has seen how movement can support health while creating joy and connection.

The programme welcomes women at all stages of life and is also reaching out to groups who may not always feel represented by mainstream wellbeing activities, including new mothers and neurodivergent women.

“What makes Empower Her distinctive is the combination of professional health knowledge and the shared experience of dance. It is not simply a fitness class or a one-off wellbeing discussion, with follow-on sessions giving participants time to keep moving, build friendships and develop healthier routines,” she said.

The power of dance

Empower Her is a great example of how dance can support health and wellbeing beyond the traditional dance studio.

At One Dance UK, we know that dance can help people stay active, build confidence, connect with others and experience the joy of movement at every stage of life.

With the programme already exceeding its crowdfunding target, Nirja’s vision is bringing women together through dance and creating space for them to invest in themselves.

Read the full story from Hammersmith & Fulham Council, Fulham doctor wants to EMPOWER HER through dance, published 4 September 2026, to find out more about the programme and upcoming sessions.