Those with mild pd symptoms can go to a normal dance session. Folk dance club welcome beginners.

Hello, all. I've only just got back to the forum; still cant quite work it out! Thanks for your replies and pleased to see such interest in dancing for Parkinsons. I have searched the web again and found a few sites I had missed before, but NOTHING remotely near this part of the country (Chelmsford, Essex). We have a good dance school in Chelmsford and I am sure I could persuade them to set up a 'Dance for Parkinsons' class. I know it would be popular. Is there any training they could do?
Keep dancing

I found the dance sessions I attended at the WPC in Glasgow last year quite a revelation.
It was great fun and everyone moved round the room without any problems and we did not bump into each other at all. I find it very difficult not to bump into other people in crowded situations. Does anyone else have this problem or know why this happens ?

I would love to join a dance class, but in North Wales there seems to be very little available for adults that is not too far to go and is suitable for someone with PD. Does anyone know of any groups I could join in Conwy county, eg Llandudno or Colwyn Bay?

Hi all,
Have not posted for a little while , main reason being low feeling - must be something in the air , seems to be quite a few of us struggling lately. Am working through new meds. regime as well , so every morning , have to pull myself up by the boot straps , so to speak.
Anyway, this is to encourage , cos it's a good day today !
This is the 5 th week of the class i've been doing to for pwp's. Today a chap came down from London to show us Indian swinging clubs. No , it's nothing to do with pole dancing or suchlike , sorry gentlemen.
Have a look on ' you tube ' for a demo !
The exercise was really fantastic , easy to follow and , best of all , my stiff shoulder feels so good.
We must try to get more of these classes set up around the country , so many would benefit. Next week , some PD nurses from a different area , are coming to find out what it's all about.
I better get practising for next week !

Hi Lorna,
Sounds different,exercise using what could be classed as weapons.Seeing as my sons do Martial arts,i,ll go and have a look.Will get back to you on what i and they think.Mind you our living room is that small we would be knocking each other out if trying it at home.Keep it up though,sounds like physically its doing you good.
Mentally,take my hand and we shall help each other climb out of this low that ive dragged us into.Wimbledon is in full swing,so with clubs and rackets lets beat the blues and serve some aces.
Tight hold now
Titan

T.
Dusting off the spiders webs , there's my racket, off we go.
Aces lining up to be served.
Note of warning to any other potential club swingers , better do it outside !
I pushed back my settee and switched on Elton -- could do the basic moves in that space , but ideally -- a field or parade ground ! You're right , Titan

Lorna,
Had a look and the club swinging looks like good physio but it would have to be gradually introduced.The footage i watched,the guy had his arms in all sorts of weird positions.My sons were not to impressed though.If you saw them in action you would understand why,the physical moves and kicks they use,and the flexibility would have you amazed.
Would be good for pwp though.
keep it up
Titan

HI Titan,
Have also been looking on the you tube films of Indian Club swinging and see that it was even an Olympic sport , early in the 20th century.
We learned only a few basic moves , it was very enjoyable , done in a small group with lively music, though i think any type, fast or slow would be ok.
The potential for display , is also there.
It would be good if i could find a proper instructor for the group, as this is a whole new activity , aside from dance/ exercise.
Its evening time , and my back and shoulder still feel good!
Can't be bad.
Lorna.

Hi all

We have now added a new venue (and therefore new dates) for our research looking at the benefits that dance can have on Parkinson's. We will now be running once weekly sessions at the University of Hertfordshire, based in Hatfield starting the last week of September.

If you are interested in taking part, or wish to find out more information or whether you are eligible for the study, please contact the researchers directly:


Carine Lewis,
Project Coordinator 

School of Psychology,
University of Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire
AL10 9AB 


Tel: 01707 281340 

Email: dance@herts.ac.uk

Hi all,
I expect you're wondering what I got up to at the last session of Dance/exercise for pwp.
Well , it was Tap this week ! There we were kitted out with umbrella's and walking sticks, and even one fellow had a broom handle ! The music from ' Singing in the rain' came drifting over the speakers and we learned a simple routine with very easy steps, over the next hour and a half.
Really good fun , and satisfying.
I was pleased because the session was attended by ; Get ready for fancy title -- the Community Matron in P.D. who , give her , her due, did join in , in between making and receiving phone calls ! I'm sure they'd have never stood for that at the Royal Ballet !
When all was over , I had a chat with her and she had to agree, it was marvellous , the way we were moving all through the session. There is one very 'tubby' man there, who has difficulty even standing. Well I won't say he was quite as good as Gene Kelly, but with a bit more practise , well...................... you never know !
The P.D. Matron was saying how hard it is to get people to try new things. And how reluctant they are to try an unfamiliar activity. Makes me very frustrated , as I feel incredibly lucky to be able to go to these sessions, and am concerned it may not continue if not enough people come.
Our teacher is working towards having us make a short video , to show , not sure where , as only a small number attend the local P.D. branch meetings.
Anyway, if you get the chance and already have , or even try to find a teacher to run such an activity , I thoroughly recommend it.
Better than sitting in front of our screens too much, be they Computer or T.V.

Found two good quotes to encourage you ;

If you can talk, you can sing.
If you can walk (even if only a little)
you can dance.

AND

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to be over.
It's about learning to dance in the rain.

All the best
Lorna.