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.
Katrina facilitated Dance for Parkinson’s sessions for a research trial run 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 Reservoir, 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 Reservoir from 2-3pm. Generally, terms run for 10 weeks and align to Victorian public school terms.
Time: Mondays 2:00 -3:00 PM
2025 Dates:
Term 1 Mon 27 Jan – 31March
No class on Mon 10 March (Labor Day)
Term 2 Mon 28 April – 30 June
Term 3 Mon 21 July – 15 Sep
Term 4 Mon 6 Oct – 8 Dec
Venue Reservoir Senior Citizens Centre, 2-4 Wright Street, Reservoir
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
Katrina Rank was a professional classical ballet and contemporary dancer. She has a Bachelor of Education in Dance (Deakin University 1994) and is a registered teacher with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (Registration number: 328883). With 25 years of teaching experience in schools, universities and in the community, she has 15 years experience in leading dance classes for people with a range of neurological conditions and mobility challenges. She is a national award winning educator (Australian Dance Awards, Services to Dance Education 2018).
Katrina Rank is a Certified Dance for PD® Teaching Artist
Certified Dance for PD® Teaching Artists complete advanced training, a peer reviewed assessment process, and comprehensive field work that places them at the top of their field. Dance for PD Certified Teaching Artists have, on average, at least five years of experience leading classes for people with Parkinson's and closely follow the internationally-acclaimed, research-backed class structure and content of the original Dance for PD model developed by the Mark Morris Dance Group.
All use of recorded music is licensed through OneMusic Australia
to inquire about Dance for Health and Parkinson’s classes