How Dance Impacts the Lives of Those with Parkinson's

1. Sit in a circle: Every Parkinson’s disease individual is requested to sit in a circle. No one will be left out as each of them will be guided by choreographers through slow and gradual dance movements.
2. Warm up!: Like any other form of exercise and dance routine, warm-up exercises are given through barre work. A barre is a stationary handrail mostly used in ballet training. This is what everyone will use as they progress through their class.
3. Dance!: Dance routines have already been created for patients. Each of them is encouraged to gather in the center of the room and dance. Most of the patients may already have difficulty in standing or walking but with music, their motivation is stirred up, therefore improving also their mobility.
4. Join hands together: After what could be an hour of showing off their dance moves, participants are instructed to join hands together as they give their curtsy and a bow and squeeze their neighbor’s hand, signaling their support and encouragement for one another.
5. A massage: Most dance classes have a massage therapist working on their sore muscles after every dance class. Participants can enjoy the relief of their tense muscles being stretched and soothed to carry on their tasks for the rest of the day.