Innovator
Natalie Muschamp‘s creative & innovative achievements and experiences.
01
Social Impact
My work with Step Up For Parkinson’s has been shaped by a long-term commitment to building accessible, community-based support for people living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. In recognition of this work, I received the Social Impact Award in 2018.
During the early development of Step Up For Parkinson’s, I was mentored by the Centre for Entrepreneurship & Business Incubation at the University of Malta, where I received guidance in structuring the organisation, developing fundraising strategies, and preparing funding applications. The Centre later featured Step Up For Parkinson’s in a student manual on social enterprise development, presenting it as a practical example of how a socially driven initiative can grow sustainably while remaining mission-led.
Specialised Movement
After my professional dance career, I returned to academia to specialise in movement-based work for people living with Parkinson’s disease. I completed a master’s degree in research at the Dance Department of the University of Malta, where I developed a movement methodology focused on improving quality of life for both the person with Parkinson’s and their caregiver.
My research explored how creative movement can support balance, motor skills, memory, and social connection. Participants consistently reported not only physical benefits, but also increased confidence, sociability, and a renewed sense of belonging. For many, the shared movement experience strengthened their connection with their partners and caregivers.
This methodology continues to be implemented through Step Up For Parkinson’s and has been adopted by more than 25 healthcare providers in Malta working within the organisation. I have shared this work internationally, including teaching in the Netherlands, presenting at the World Parkinson’s Congress in Kyoto, and lecturing at the University of Malta within the Disability Studies, Occupational Therapy, and Dance Studies programmes. Several students have since based their theses on Step Up For Parkinson’s or its methodology.
03
Social Enterprise Management
I founded Step Up For Parkinson’s as a social enterprise with a clear objective: to provide high-quality, movement-based support free of charge to people living with Parkinson’s, while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Over the years, this required balancing compassionate service delivery with strategic planning, governance, and financial oversight. Under my leadership, Step Up For Parkinson’s grew into a stable organisation with a continually expanding community and a sustainable therapy centre in Malta. Approaching its tenth year, the organisation stands as an example of how social impact, professional standards, and financial responsibility can coexist.
04
Media, movement, and professional production
Alongside my work in Parkinson’s care, I have a long-standing background in television and media production. I have created and produced several television programmes in Malta, including Starmakers Malta (2012), a dance talent show offering international professional opportunities, as well as Quest and Conquest, reality formats centred on personal development and challenge.
Earlier in my career, I also had the opportunity to work as an assistant to Yves Simoneau, a Primetime Emmy Award–winning director, during the production of the television mini-series The Dovekeepers. This experience provided valuable insight into high-level international television production and directing processes.
In parallel, I have produced movement-based programmes and marketing content. Together with filmmaker Fabrizio Fenech, I co-directed and produced the documentary One Day We Will Dance Again, which was broadcast multiple times on national television in Malta. The documentary tells the story of Step Up For Parkinson’s and the community that grew around it.
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