Dance is a wonderful way to socialise and stay active with Parkinson’s.

Dance is not only a fun and engaging activity but also an effective therapeutic approach for improving physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.

Why dance?

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).

What should I know before I start?

  • Dance is for everyone, regardless of skill level

    • People with Parkinson’s don’t need to be expert dancers to benefit. Many dance programs designed for people with Parkinson’s cater to beginners and adapt to different levels of mobility. Programs like Dance for Parkinson’s offer accessible options for participants of all abilities.

  • It’s best to start slowly

    • It’s important to start with beginner-friendly classes and gradually build up stamina and confidence. Some dance forms, like ballroom dancing, may involve slow, controlled movements, making them suitable for individuals in the earlier stages of Parkinson’s.

  • Look for specialised Parkinson’s Dance Classes

    • Many dance programs have been specifically tailored to the needs of those with Parkinson’s. These classes often focus on improving motor skills, balance, and coordination in a supportive and inclusive environment. Examples include Tango for Parkinson’s, which has been shown to benefit balance and gait (7), and Dance for Parkinson’s, which offers a variety of dance styles designed to be adaptable for Parkinson’s participants.

  • Consult with your care team

    • It’s important for people with Parkinson’s to discuss starting a dance program with their care team to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for their current physical condition.

  • Consistency is key

    • Like any form of exercise, the benefits of dance are most pronounced with regular participation. People should aim to participate in dance classes consistently to fully experience the physical and mental health benefits.

  • Enjoy the social aspect

    • One of the greatest advantages of group dance classes is the social support. People with Parkinson’s often face emotional challenges, and the camaraderie and sense of community found in dance classes can provide meaningful emotional and social benefits.

  • Dance may slow disease progression

    • While dance won’t cure Parkinson’s, the physical and mental engagement associated with regular dance practice can help manage symptoms, slow the progression of the condition, and improve quality of life.

Key Statistics

  • A study in Australia reported that dance programs led to a decrease in depressive symptoms and an increase in overall emotional well-being for participants (8).
  • Engaging in dance improves the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s by promoting social interaction and emotional benefits, such as increased happiness and reduced isolation (9).
  • Dance-based interventions have been linked to increased physical activity, which is vital for managing Parkinson’s symptoms. A study found that participants in dance programs demonstrated significant improvements in motor performance, especially in terms of mobility (10).

Where can I take a class?

In Australia

Dance for Parkinson’s 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. 

Infosheet kindly reviewed by Dance for Parkinson’s 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 supported by published research.

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.

(7) Hackney, M. E., & Earhart, G. M. (2010). Effects of dance on motor impairment in Parkinson’s disease: A comparison of partnered and nonpartnered dance movement. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 24(4), 384-392. https://doi.org/10.1177/1545968309354592

(8) Baker, K., Higgins, K., & McRae, C. (2007). Dance and Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review of the literature. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 26(4), 138-144. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-6612.2007.00209.x

(9) Westheimer, R., Weston, S., McDonnell, C., & O’Neill, S. (2014). Dance as an intervention for individuals with Parkinson’s disease: An Australian experience. Australian Family Physician, 43(5), 338-343. Retrieved from https://www.racgp.org.au/

(10) Schneider, S., Esser, S. K., & Fabbri, D. (2016). The role of dance for people with Parkinson’s disease in the Australian context. Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, 6(2), 305-311. https://doi.org/10.3233/JPD-160883

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