Strictly Come Dancing star Angela Rippon CBE visited Watford General Hospital to champion the benefits of movement and dance for people of all ages and abilities; particularly those receiving care in hospital.
The 81-year-old presenter was joined by Clare Connor, Chief Executive of The Place and London Contemporary Dance School (LCDS) where they met West Herts’ Chief Nurse, Kelly McGovern, along with colleagues from nursing, allied health professions and other clinical teams.
Angela spoke to staff about how movement-based activities could support patients in a number of ways, including improving mobility before surgery, helping people manage conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, and encouraging older people to stay active and independent.
Drawing on her own experience on Strictly Come Dancing, Angela shared how dance is “the best exercise for both body and mind,” improving wellbeing on every level. She described dance as “a powerful tool in the medic’s bag”, especially for older people and those living with physical challenges.
Angela also spoke about the mental health benefits of movement, noting that dance can be particularly valuable for men, helping people to “dance out of their own darkness.”
Her visit formed part of her nationwide “Let’s Dance” campaign, which promotes simple, accessible movement as an impactful way to improve physical and mental health.
Angela stressed that dance a universal exercise available to everyone from babies to older people, and an investment in your ‘wellbeing pension plan’.
She encourages the NHS to explore the many opportunities to incorporate movement into care, ranging from supporting stroke recovery to encouraging NHS staff to get moving during breaks.
Chief Nurse Kelly McGovern hopes that dance could also help bridge the gap between hospital and community care, creating continuity and connection for patients beyond their hospital stay.
Angela sees dance is diverse, joyful, and inclusive, urging NHS teams not to view it as “fluffy entertainment” but as a meaningful, practical tool suitable for every age and ability.
Angela said: “When I was asked to do Strictly, I was 79 and I thought I’m much too old for this. But I had a wonderful partner, and I agreed to do it.”
“Strictly just reinforced and confirmed everything I thought about dance – which is that is the best form of exercise for the health and wellbeing of your mind and body. And it’s helping me – in my 80s now – where hopefully I can look forward to a long and healthy life.
Kelly McGovern added: “Angela’s passion for movement and dance is truly inspiring, and her message resonates strongly with the care we deliver every day. Simple, accessible movement can have a profound impact on recovery, confidence, and wellbeing.
“Her visit has reinforced the value of keeping patients active wherever possible, and we are excited to explore how we can bring more of this into both our hospital and community services.”