Movement and Dance for Those with Parkinson's

Dance Zone now offers a class in Movement and Dance for Those with Parkinson's Disease.  Class meets on Tuesdays and Fridays, 2-3:15 PM.

Our class is loosely based on the Dance for PD class developed by the Mark Morris Dance Group in Brooklyn. Right now we are doing mainly chair exercises, using balls, weights and exercise resistance bands.  We have some individuals who need these types of execises.

Why Dance for Parkinson's?   See the article.

– Press Release –

Dance Zone to Offer Dancing and Movement for Those with Parkinson’s Disease Class.

Parkinson’s Disease affects around 1.5 million Americans each year.  The disease is characterized by movement disorders, such as tremors, postural instability, difficulty in walking and controlling movement.  The Mark Morris Dance Group in Brooklyn developed the Dancing for PD program in 2001; this program has had considerable success in reducing the symptoms and delaying their progression. 

Dance Zone is now offering a dance program based on the Mark Morris Dancing for PD program.  Marge Sklar, owner of Dance Zone and teacher in the PD dance program, has recently studied with the Brooklyn group and is working on full-fledged certification in this style.  Our program is based on the Brooklyn program, but takes UP culture and weather into consideration as well.  All movements in the class can be done from either a seated or a standing position.  One class member recently remarked “Who would have thought you could get so much movement in while sitting in a chair?!”  Absolutely no dance experience is required.  Class is geared toward those who come on a particular day and fun is guaranteed!

Studies show that dancing can: improve quality of life; improve balance, gait and postural stability; decrease or lessen severity of tremor; reduce the likelihood of falls; decrease rigidity often associated with PD; improve control over hand and facial muscles.  Furthermore, the benefits of dance often carry over into everyday life competencies. 

Those who are ready to take control over their Parkinson’s symptoms are encouraged to come to one or several of our Dancing and Movement for Those with Parkinson’s sessions.  The class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-3:15 PM and Saturdays from 1-2:15 PM at Dance Zone, 1113 Lincoln Ave, Marquette.  The class is open to anyone with Parkinson’s and their families and caregivers.  There is no charge, but donations are gratefully accepted.  This class is jointly sponsored by Lake Superior Hospice and Dance Zone.  For more information, call Marge at 906-236-1457.

The ten points below explain why dance is particularly beneficial for people with Parkinson’s disease.  They are demonstrated in the “Why Dance for Parkinson’s Disease?” DVD (http://danceforparkinsons.org/resources/video-resources)

1. Dance develops flexibility and instills confidence.
2. Dance is first and foremost a stimulating mental activity that connects mind to body.
3. Dance breaks isolation.
4. Dance invokes imagery in the service of graceful movement.
5. Dance focuses attention on eyes, ears and touch as tools to assist in movement and balance.
6. Dance increases awareness of where all parts of the body are in space.
7. Dance tells stories.
8. Dance sparks creativity.
9. The basis of dance is rhythm.
10. The essence of dance is joy.

http://danceforparkinsons.org/resources