Outreach

Dance for Parkinson's

A dance class for people with PD and their caregivers

David Leventhal teaches a Dance for PD class for members
of the Brooklyn Parkinson Group at the Mark Morris Dance Center.
Photo by Rosalie O'Connor.

Dance for Parkinson's, originally pioneered in 2001 through a partnership between the Brooklyn Parkinson Group and the Mark Morris Dance Group, is a dance class for people with Parkinson's Disease, their families and caregivers. Each class is designed to engage participants in an enjoyable and supportive environment with trained dance professionals. In addition to the benefits of physical activity, Dance for Parkinson's focuses on the increased quality of life dance can bring to the mind, body and soul.

Classes are open to anyone with Parkinson's, families, friends and caregivers. No dance experience is necessary. Students are welcome to use walkers or wheelchairs.

Dance for Parkinson's incorporates many dance styles: modern, ballet, jazz, tap, musical theater and modified excerpts from Brooks & Company Dance's unique repertory. Class begins with seated warm-ups that target correct posture, full range-of-motion movements and the use of good breathing to inform the movement. The class then progresses to the barre followed by exercises in the center of the studio and then moves across the floor. Rhythm creates an additional cue to each exercise with live musical accompaniment while the melodies encourage individual artistry throughout the movements.

To learn more about holding a Dance for Parkinson's class for your group, please email us at info@brooksandcompanydance.org.