Dance for Health and Parkinson’s classes
This class is supported through Dance for Parkinson’s Australia.
Mondays 2-3pm
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological disorder that greatly affects the body’s motor system. Due to a lack of dopamine production in the mid-brain, neurological connections are prevented between the brain and the body. Observed symptoms can reflect bodily stiffness, tremors, shuffling gait, slowness, facial masking, low voice volume and an inability to multi-task. Cognitive impairment, emotional stress and depression can also challenge a person living with Parkinson’s Disease.
The content for this Dance for Parkinson’s class was first created by Katrina and used in a research study ‘Dancing with Parkinson's’ by Latrobe University in 2014. This study was conducted by Professor Meg Morris, a leader in the field, studying the benefits of exercise through a physiotherapy lens. Katrina supported several other trials and projects with Prof Morris in the following years, investigating the kinds of dance activities that alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Katrina currently runs regular "Dance for Health and Parkinson's" classes in Preston, Victoria. The sessions aim to provide participants with renewed confidence in everyday movements such as walking and balance, through the activation of their core, awareness of posture and strategies to maintain stability when moving. In combination to a warm and friendly environment and dancing with others to great music, the weekly classes are also a social highlight for participants.
What to expect
Currently, Dance for Health & PD is delivered in-person.
You do not have to have Parkinson’s disease to dance with us. Dance for Health and PD originated as a Dance for Parkinson’s class, but quickly showed itself to be great for many people with neuro-degenerative conditions and mobility challenges.
Generally the class begins with seated work, then progresses to standing and traveling movements. It is very flexible in format, diverse in style and is responsive to how participants feel on the day. Classes are fun, accessible and social. We dance to a range of musical genres and the music of many different cultures. Activities focus on flow, release of tension, core strength, balance, coordination and control but, because it's dance, it's creative and musical.
Participants should wear comfortable clothing: loose tops and long pants or leggings. They may get warm, so layered clothing is perfect. A bottle of water for short breaks is also a good idea.
An example of class activities can be found here: https://www.danceforparkinsonsaustralia.org/resources/
Classes run on Mondays in Preston from 2-3pm. Generally, terms run for 10 weeks and align to Victorian public school terms.
Time: Mondays 2:00 -3:00 PM
2024 Dates: Term 1
29 Jan, 5 + 12 + 26 Feb, no class 19 Feb
4, 11, 18, 25 March
Term 2
15, 22, 29 April
6, 13, 20, 27 May
3, 10, 17 + 24 June;
Venue Brunswick School of Dance, 444 High Street , Preston VICTORIA 3073
Cost
If you commit to the term, the cost is $10 per class. The casual rate is $15 per class. Please contact us below for more information.
About the facilitator
Katrina Rank PhD, B.Lit Hons, B.Ed, Dip ABS
These dance classes are led by Katrina Rank. Katrina is an expert, registered teacher, professional dancer and has worked with people living with PD since 2014. Katrina is the Director of Education and Lifelong Learning at Ausdance VIC, the peak body for dance, a professional dancer and national award winning educator (Services to Dance Education 2018). She has 15 years experience in leading dance classes for people with a range of neurological conditions and mobility challenges.
She delivered ongoing, weekly online classes throughout the pandemic to maintain social connections and better health outcomes.
Katrina holds registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching
Registration number: 328883
All use of recorded music is licensed through OneMusic Australia
to inquire about Dance for Health and Parkinson’s classes