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Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre (HALC) has added an African drumming workshop to its Dance for Neurobalance program aimed at supporting people living with neurological conditions.

Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre is part of the Boroondara Leisure and Aquatic Facilities and is managed by YMCA Victoria.

The African drumming workshop is led by Mohamed from Rhythm of Life, with the session bringing traditional West African rhythms to life using hand drums, movement, and plenty of energy.

The idea was born out of a simple moment during another class with exercise balls, a few pairs of drumsticks, and an impromptu jam session broke out.

Paris Wages, who leads the Dance for Neurobalance classes shared “we just started drumming in class one day and everyone loved it. It was great for rhythm and fine motor skills, and everyone loved it.”

This weekend’s workshop looks to expand on that success, thanks to support from City of Boroondara’s Community Strengthening Grants program. Their backing has helped bring Mohamed and 30 hand drums to HALC, creating a vibrant and accessible way to move, connect and create through rhythm.

While it’s the first time African drumming has featured in the program, the impact of these workshops is already well known.

Wages adds “we’ve run lots of these special sessions over the years. They tick so many boxes – physical health, mental wellbeing, social connection, creativity. The outcomes speak for themselves.”

The sessions are deliberately inclusive, with subsidised entry ($6) and no online bookings required. That’s important, especially for people living with conditions like Parkinson’s, where mobility can change hour to hour.

Each session is followed by a catered lunch, offering time to connect, share stories and, for many, build confidence to return week after week.

The African Drumming Workshop takes place at Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre. For more info, contact the centre. 

For more information on YMCA Victoria victoria.ymca.org.au

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