Category: dance

Salsa Dancing

How in the world do you learn how to Salsa dance? There is a way I have just discovered. Morry Krispijn’s Dance Company in the Netherlands produced a Salsa DVD which you can use to learn how to dance the Salsa. Isn’t that cool?

Perhaps you are thinking persons who currently experience the symptoms of Parkinsons could never do the Salsa. Think again my friends. Morry tells me that persons with Parkinson’s are actually quite a bit better at doing Salsa dancing than persons who do not have the symptoms. Isn’t that fascinating?

I believe Salsa dancing is a fantastic activity for a Parkinsons Support group, especially if you are getting bored with your usual routine. If you are not having enough fun this year, dance to the Salsa. Morry tells me Salsa does wonders for persons who currently experience the neurological symptoms of Parkinsons Disease.

Start the new year out with Salsa dancing. Try it! I think you will like it.

Dance for PD

In 2001, dancers from the Mark Morris Dance Group began teaching a dance with live music for members of the Brooklyn Parkinson Group.  The premise?  Professionally-trained dancers are movement experts whose knowledge could be useful to persons with PD.  By learning real dance techniques and focusing on artistry and grace, people with PD would be encouraged to explore movement and music in enjoyable and creative ways while addressing balance, coordination, flexibility and physical confidence.  Ten years later, Dance for PD classes based on the original Brooklyn model take place in more than 45 communities and in seven countries around the world, and the acclaimed program has been featured in such media as The New York Times, PBS NewsHour, and USA Today, among many others.  David Leventhal, one of the program’s founding teachers, its program manager, and a 14-year veteran of the Mark Morris Dance Group speaks with Dr. Robert Rodgers about this transformative program and its potential to help people with PD recapture grace and a vital sense of community. For further information on this exciting program for Parkinsons, visit http://www.danceforpd.org

The Magic of Dance for Parkinson’s: Pamela Quinn

Pamela Quinn danced professionally for 20 years with ODC/San Francisco and with actor/writer MichaelO’Connor before being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at age 42. Recently, she made a video entitled ‘Welcome to our World”, which shared first prize at the 2010 World Parkinson Congress. Pamela has developed an amazing range of creative movements, exercises and dances that have helped herself and others cope with the many and various symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. Learn more about her at www.pamelaquinn.net