Dance for Parkinson's

The Dance for PD program, which originated at the Mark Morris Dance Centre, New York City in 2001, offers specialized dance classes for people with Parkinson's, their caregivers, family members and friends. ...   The Dance for Parkinson’s Australia program started at the National Parkinson’s Conference in Brisbane in 2012. Since then, the program has spread throughout Australia.  Ballet teachers require special training to lead Dance for Parkinson's classes.   The dance endeavours to address PD-specific concerns such as balance, flexibility, coordination, gait, social isolation and depression.  The first time we had Dance for Parkinson's in Toowoomba was in 2016 and 2017 at community classes run by  Erica Rose Jeffrey - Program Coordinator for Dance for Parkinson's Australia.  This is a video from one of those community classes.   https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2017654955129751

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Our Dance teacher, Sally, is a wonderful leader. She has completed her Dance for Parkinson's training.  Her studio is new, accessible and has a great atmosphere. Toilets, including disability, are available within the studio.  We have a great time dancing to Elvis, Bing Crosby, The Seekers, Beach Boys, Queen, Abba ...  Often following the session many of us have a bite to eat together at a coffee shop nearby.  

Sally has recently moved on from her Dance Studio but ensured we were supported by the new owner, Mia, and also a new teacher who has the Dance for Parkinson's credentials.  Her name is Amy and, while she has hard shoes to fill, she is doing a great job.

BUT I CAN'T DANCE!  None of us are dancers.  One of our carers says of her husband, 'I can't believe I am here!  It took Parkinson's Disease for my husband to take me dancing!  I have only waited 46 years for this!'

WHY DANCE?   Research shows regular practice of large, strong, focussed and faster movements can make a difference to symptom management and improve co-ordination, rhythm, flexibility and also balance of a Person with Parkinson's.  Parkinson's is a neurological movement disorder.  All movement starts in the cortex of the brain.  Feet tap and arms extend, but it is the brain that actually instructs the dance. When executing a dance routine, several regions of the brain become active.  

I AM WORRIED I MIGHT NOT MANAGE!  Most participants in our group remain in chairs to do their dancing - still, that can be quite a workout.  There are also bars to hold on to and you are welcome to bring a support person with you. The environment is stimulating, enjoyable and no-pressure. 

You might enjoy watching this video of one of our early sessions together.

https://twitter.com/7NewsToowoomba/status/1057569223365419008

And here we are again re-framing what people think of when they think of Dance!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/b6xftx4sq73ap2z/Parkinsons%20project%20v%202.mp4?dl=0