TkwajpewbiC' Perspective*DANCE FOR PDSM

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The Mark Morris Dance Group (MMDG) andBrooklyn Parkinson Group (BPG) started

offering free dance classes for people withParkinson's in 2001. Since then, through theexpanded Dance for PD8" program, MMDGand BPG have helped other organizations and

individuals replicate dance classes based onthe original model for people with Parkinson'sin more than 40 communities around the world,including Oakland, Berkeley, Sunnyvale and SanFrancisco. An introductory training workshop willbe held in Davis at the Mondavi Center for thePerforming Arts on September 27th. In addition to

offering weekly classes for more than 60 peoplewith Parkinson's, their spouses, caregivers andfriends, MMDG/BPG has trained morethan 70 teachers in the Dance for PD3"method, and MMDG regularly offersDance for PD5" classes as part of itstouring outreach program in cities where

the company performs. Olie Westheimer,the executive director of BPG and thevisionary behind the class, and DavidLeventhal, a dancer with MMDG and oneof the founding teachers of the class.spoke with the Park Bench about the

program.

Why are dance classes good forpeople with PD?

OW In order to dance, dancers useinputs from the environment and mental

developing aerobic stamina, heighteningproprioception, promoting balance. But there'sso much more in dancing: it engages participantsin an aesthetic, musical and artistic activity thatcreates social bonds and a sense of emotionaland expressive well-being. Dancing is ameaningful activity.

What can participants expect from aclass?

DL: Although each teacher in our programbrings his or her own style and perspective tothe dass, all of the teachers who train with usshare a similar philosophy and structure thatemphasizes dancing for dancing's sake, and

helps participants explore new movements in asafe and fun atmosphere. The first portion of a

Dance for PD class takes place seated in a circle to build

a sense of shared, supportive community and to removeconcerns about balance. From the first minute, participants

are dancing together at a level that feels appropriate tothem. We lead participants through a complete warm-upthat often includes coordination exercises, foot exercises,gestural storytelling, and ends with large movements

done across the dance floor. Throughout, the goal is tohelp people with Parkinson's leam to think and movelike dancers by learning, executing and creating dancesequences. Over time, we've seen our students becomemore confident, graceful, expressive and informed movers.

What makes the classes fun?

DL: While these classes are rigorous—the content isstrategies to guide, control and learn movements. For personswith PD, use of these inputs and strategies helps regeneratethe ability to move, promoting a sense of control over physical

activity that is lost in PD. Dancers who teach Dance for PDclasses focus on aesthetic goals, not on movement limitations.They impart knowledge about how to dance in a safe, social andpleasing environment, with the expectation that their studentscan and want to leam. They share the joy of dance. Learning,striving to move beautifully and having a good time are good forpersons with PD and everyone else.

Is it different from other forms of exercise?

OW: Dance incorporates all of the components of exercise:stretching and strengthening muscles, increasing flexibility,

specific and the class is a real dance class—we emphasizeexploration and expression, not perfection, and we encouragepeople to modify things that don't feel good. Everyone dancestogether so there is a strong camaraderie in the class. The funcomes from the sense of achieving something beautiful, gracefuland musical in a supportive group setting. We try to guide peopleaway from physical limitations and toward physical possibilities.

For more information about the introductory trainingworkshop, the program and class locations, please goto www.danceforparkinsons.org or call 646-450-DFPD(3373). Watch The Park Bench for more informationabout area groups.