31 Aug 2017
Ballet Arizona offers specialized community dance classes for people with Parkinson’s disease in collaboration with Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center. Dance is a stimulating mental activity that connects the mind and body; it breaks isolation and helps to tell stories.
Classes are offered every Wednesday 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and Friday 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (except major holidays). This class not only helps improve confidence and physical fitness, but also offers participants a chance to connect with each other and to share their experience with their families, friends, or care partners.
Taught by Ballet Arizona’s own Debbie Braganza, these classes address symptom-specific concerns related to balance, cognition, and motor skills which help to overcome depression. In each class, Debbie integrates movements from modern, ballet, tap, folk and social dancing to engage participants’ minds and create an enjoyable, social environment for artistic exploration.
Classes are appropriate for anyone with Parkinson’s disease, no matter how advanced. No dance experience is required. In chairs, at a barre or moving across the floor, participants explore elements of modern dance, ballet, tap, folk and social dancing.
Click here to see the class in action and hear from participants directly.
Click here for class information!
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Wonderful!! My mother has Parkinson’s and she enjoys any physical exercise activity she can attend. Unfortunately, she does not live near here.
This is such an outstanding contribution that Ballet Arizona is making to the community and Greater Phoenix area!
I love this idea! What an amazing way to contribute. I can see how this could definitely help people with Parkinsons, both physically and mentally. Great job!