Engaging the Mind and Body with Dance for PD®

Dance for PD® is an internationally-acclaimed dance program for people with Parkinson’s disease developed out of Brooklyn, New York with the assistance of the Mark Morris Dance Group. Through a network spanning 13 countries, the group has succeeded in empowering participants to explore movement and music in refreshing, stimulating and creative ways. Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC) is proud to become a part of this expanding network, by offering a train-the-trainer session this year for dance teachers wishing to learn about the program. Their training will help make classes more widely available to British Columbians.

Last year at our Annual General Meeting, we were pleased to have Jo-Ann Gordon lead an exercise break using what she learned at Dance for PD®. We recently caught up with her to discuss more about the benefits of the program.

How did you get started in Dance for PD®?

I graduated from the National Ballet School in 1993 and a fellow graduate mentioned she had taken the introductory workshop at the Mark Morris Dance Group in Brooklyn, NY. She highly recommended the program, so I decided to take it in 2013. Just before that, I was invited by a friend who was teaching dance to those living with Parkinson’s in Vancouver, to take over her classes as she was moving back East. Through her class, I became more involved with the West Side Parkinson’s support group, and have been teaching ever since.

What types of improvements have you seen in individuals who participate?

The exercises/dances are set to music, forcing the brain and the body to become engaged which creates a coordinated flow. The movements involve the right and left sides of the body. The dance rhythms go from slow to fast tempos, while the dancers transition from a seated to a standing position, and then moving across the room. Because exercises are repeated for a number of weeks and always set to the same music, they can be remembered.

From what I’ve witnessed with participants, dance provides the feeling of freeness while being in control of your body. Some participants have shared that they have been able to move better in their daily lives as a result of their regular class attendance. As they become more attuned to their bodies, they also notice the subtle progressions of Parkinson’s disease. A large part of the class is the social component – being together to support, encourage and have fun. I usually end each class with a social dance, either in a circle or line. Care partners, loved ones and other individuals who come to a Dance for PD® class are valued as they are able to dance along and provide support to those with Parkinson’s as they move across the floor.

Do you need to have dance experience to participate in a Dance for PD® class?

No past dance experience is needed to join the class. Everything is broken down into sequences, built up and repeated, making it easy to follow. Those who have taken an aerobics class, line dancing or tai chi, will see similarities. Dance for PD® incorporates ballet, jazz, tap and modern exercises and movements.

Are there any restrictions/limitations for someone to participate in a class?

There are no restrictions or limitations to participating in the class. Most of the exercises are adapted for those who need to remain sitting, in a wheelchair for example, and those who need a walker for support. Some people come to the class simply to enjoy the atmosphere, music and be social. Everyone adjusts to their own needs and limitations while participating. It takes courage to continue coming as the disease progresses, and it’s valuable to be a part of a group.

What has been the most positive experience for you while leading a class/what do you enjoy most about teaching?

The classes challenge me to create dances that provide beneficial movements for those with Parkinson’s. I enjoy finding music that others can relate to, and sometimes sing along with. Each week I want to provide a full class, allowing participants to experience the many aspects of what it means to dance. Gradually, I increase my demands on what they do, and they always rise to the challenge. I love engaging the dancers’ minds with different sequences of movements. It’s so rewarding when I see people ‘get’ it, and I’m able to build relationships that I cherish.

This content was published in the Spring 2016 edition of our quarterly magazine, Viewpoints. The content was accurate as of this publication date.