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So you think you can dance? Well what about if you have Parkinson’s disease? Maybe we’re inspired by our own Disco Fever, but our very own Michelle Scarpellino recently attended a lecture at Abbey Delray South an amazing senior living facility in Delray Beach, Florida. The lecture was presented by the lovely Beth Ann Krug. Speaking to the group she discussed the benefits of dance for Parkinson’s patients. So exactly how does dancing with the stars help a Parkinson’s patient cope with this debilitating disease? We’re glad you asked. Here’s our top ten benefits that we took away from Parkinson’s patients rocking these therapeutic movements.
- Dance develops flexibility and instills confidence.
- Dance is a stimulating mental activity that connects the mind an body.
- Dance breaks isolation.
- Dance evokes imagery that leads to graceful movements.
- Dance focuses attention on eyes, ears, and touch as tools to assist in balance and movement.
- Dance increases awareness of where all the body parts are in space.
- Dance tells stories.
- Dance sparks creativity.
- The basis of dance is rhythm.
- The essence of dance is joy!
Dancing has become very important to many Parkinson patients. The teachers, who are premier dancers in their own right, all perform movements that the class imitates, as well as inclusive exercises such as the ‘name game’ and a series of farewell bows. Non-verbal improvisation done with different partners adds dimension to existing relationships.
The Parkinson’s patient is taught that dance is magical. They can be taught to use and focus the body like a musical instrument-the paintbrush of an artist or the horn of the jazz musician. It creates an intense integrative force. Research has shown the beneficient effect of movement and dance on the brain. Neuroimaging has identified regions of the brain that are similarly active when performing actions or watching others perform the same action, both of which we do in dance class.
If you have a chance and have a loved one who has Parkinson’s, we strongly recommend visiting Dance for Parkinson’s Disease to find a class near you. To give you a little bit of an idea about what exactly goes on in the class, here is a PBS Parkinson’s Power of Movement feature that details a similar program up in New York. Dance can be instrumental in identifying left-right signals that become blurred by Parkinson’s and can help restore them along with the underlying balance of the system. Rhythm is the means through which this is achieved. A steady beat like a central fulcrum regulates and supports the timing of movements to the left or right.
