Dancing Through Parkinson’s

Research has shown how helpful dancing is for mobility in those diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Maintaining independence and freedom is a huge concern for anyone who is diagnosed with a neurological disorder. Fears surrounding your diagnosis might cause you to become withdrawn both physically and emotionally.

The main thing to remember when you are looking to improve and maintain your mobility is to EXERCISE.

Dancing is a great form of exercise. Not only does it keep you fit, but it also involves a lot of techniques that are specifically helpful for Parkinson’s symptoms. These techniques include auditory cues from the music, practicing changing direction and turning, balance practice, and memory work.

Dance also provides a platform for expressing yourself both physically and emotionally. It provides a creative outlet to express yourself with no words or explanations, just movement.

Not only is dance a great form of exercise and expression, but it is also a lot of fun! It is a great opportunity to let go of your daily stresses with a group of people and just enjoy yourself. In fact, recent research has found that dance has similar effects on motor and fitness outcomes as normal strength and balance training in people with Parkinson’s, and it has been shown to be more enjoyable based on patient feedback!

Don’t know where to start? Take a quick search on Google, as many local Parkinson’s groups provide dance classes specifically for those who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. If this isn’t the case with your specific area, reach out to a local dance instructor and see if there is a course where you would be able to participate.