Benefits of dancing for Parkinson’s

The evidence supports the use of dance as a therapeutic intervention for Parkinson’s, offering both physical and emotional benefits. Research on dance and Parkinson’s has shown promising results in improving both physical and cognitive functions for people with the condition.

  • Research indicates that dance can positively impact the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and increasing overall wellbeing (1, 2).
  • Studies have demonstrated that dance, particularly styles like Argentine tango and ballroom dancing, can improve motor symptoms such as balance, gait, and overall motor experience. For example, a systematic review found that dance interventions modestly reduced motor disease severity and improved balance (3).
  • Dance has also been linked to cognitive improvements and enhanced social interaction. Participating in dance can help with cognitive functions and provide a social outlet, which is beneficial for mental health (4).
  • Studies have shown that dance programs are feasible and well-received by individuals with Parkinson’s, suggesting that they are a viable form of therapy (1, 2, 3, 4).
  • Longitudinal studies suggest that regular participation in dance can lead to sustained improvements in physical and cognitive functions over time (4, 5).
  • Sensuality and ageing through dance has also been studied in people living with Parkinson’s (6).

In Australia

Dance for Parkinson’s Australia (DPA) provides high quality services to people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), partners, carers, friends, and the broader community of seniors. Established in Australia in 2013, their goal is to provide opportunities to improve quality of life and encourage arts, health and wellbeing in creative ageing. For people living with Parkinson’s disease, rigorous dance classes led by trained professional teaching artists are becoming internationally acknowledged as an important, beneficial, movement-based therapeutic intervention that is supported by published research.

Their primary activities focus on providing accessible  dance classes for the Parkinson’s community and broader communities of seniors. They also provide training and professional development and are leaders in creative ageing best practice.  2023 celebrated ten years of delivering the program, classes and workshops in Australia. The program emphasises dancing for dancing’s sake. It is an aesthetic experience that focuses on developing artistry and grace while addressing such PD-specific concerns as balance, flexibility, coordination, gait, social isolation and depression.

Free Virtual Class by Dance for Parkinson’s & Wellbeing is a free, 45 minutes seated virtual class hosted by Paris. Please visit https://dance4all.online/class-videos and register through https://virtualy.ymca.org.au/fitness/fitness-on-demand/dance-on-demand.

Interest to join a community class?

Dance for Parkinson’s Australia offers regular classes across Australia. They understand that they may not be able to provide their service to some communities, so they also offer weekly online classes. Please visit https://www.danceforparkinsonsaustralia.org/find-a-class/ and learn more on classes availability or contact them via email: hello@dancepdau.org.

 

n.b. Parkinson’s Australia does not endorse any classes or providers and you should always seek medical advice before starting a new exercise program. 

 

References: 

(1) McGill, A., Houston, S., & Lee, R. Y. (2014). Dance for Parkinson’s: a new framework for research on its physical, mental, emotional, and social benefits. Complementary therapies in medicine, 22(3), 426-432.

(2) Hackney, M. E., & Bennett, C. G. (2014). Dance therapy for individuals with Parkinson’s disease: improving quality of life. Journal of Parkinsonism and Restless Legs Syndrome, 17-25.

(3) Sharp, K., & Hewitt, J. (2014). Dance as an intervention for people with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 47, 445-456.

(4) Bek, J., Arakaki, A. I., Lawrence, A., Sullivan, M., Ganapathy, G., & Poliakoff, E. (2020). Dance and Parkinson’s: A review and exploration of the role of cognitive representations of action. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 109, 16-28.

(5) McRae, C., Leventhal, D., Westheimer, O., Mastin, T., Utley, J., & Russell, D. (2018). Long-term effects of Dance for PD® on self-efficacy among persons with Parkinson’s disease. Arts & Health, 10(1), 85-96.

(6) Christensen-Strynø, M. B., Phillips, L., & Frølunde, L. (2021). Revitalising sensualities of ageing with Parkinson’s through dance. Journal of Aging Studies, 59, 100978.

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