Of course, dancing does have a positive impact on our health; it can - improve joint mobility - increase flexibility - reduce tension in the body - help us build strength and stamina - improve balance and stability ...and that's just what it can do for our bodies; in terms of how it can benefit our minds, it can - improve co-ordination and spatial awareness (including proprioception) - enhance memory - strengthen the mind-body connection - make it easier to concentrate ...just to name a few things! For people living with Parkinson's, who may be experiencing symptoms such as stiffness and rigidity in the body, a sense that they are "shrinking", and a propensity to freeze or fall, these impacts can be of particular benefit, and many of the exercises we do in class are designed with symptoms of the disease in mind. But this is not the overarching aim! For me, what is just as important, if not more so in fact, than addressing some of the common physical symptoms of the disease, is simply having fun, making social connections and exploring our inner artists (trust me - they're there somewhere!), because creativity has the power to truly transform our lives for the better. So in these classes, I want us to focus on building confidence and self-esteem, giving ourselves permission to be expansive and take up space, treating ourselves with kindness and compassion, and remembering to be joyful! Does that not sound appealing?! |
Fitness with Flair is not a form of physiotherapy, nor is it an exercise class, nor a medical intervention of any kind. Although we are sympathetic to the symptoms that may present themselves in people with Parkinson’s and adapt our approach, as dance teachers, based on our understanding of the disease, these are dance and exercise classes like any other. That’s how I like to think of it, at least. We may not be able to leave Parkinson’s at the door completely for the duration of each session, but we are certainly able to reclaim some power over it by embracing our inner-dancers, reconnecting with our bodies and allowing ourselves to get lost in the music and movement.
In these classes, we are people, not patients. So in these classes, I want us to focus on building confidence and self-esteem, giving ourselves permission to be expansive and take up space, treating ourselves with kindness and compassion, and remembering to be joyful! Does that not sound appealing?!
So don't be afraid - be brave and dare to dance! We would love to have you dancing with us. If you have any queries, scroll down for a list of resources and a selection of FAQs, and if your question still hasn't been answered, don't hesitate to get in touch. For information about our current classes click here!For reviews click here! |
For more information on dancing and Parkinson's, please use the links below.
- English National Ballet's Dance for Parkinson's Investigative study - People Dancing's national Dance for Parkinson's partnership - Interview with David Leventhal - Capturing Grace film website - Rambert Dance for Parkinson's class film - Dance for PD resources page FAQs
How much of the class will be seated? This will depend on each participant's individual needs, but the aim is to spend at least half of the class on our feet! Of course, if you don't feel up to this, there's nothing to feel embarrassed about and we'll never pressure you into doing something you're not comfortable with, but rest assured there will always be support available in the form of teachers/volunteers and chairs etc. should you want to attempt standing but are feeling a little wobbly. |
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But I can't dance! Is this for me?
YES!! Dance is something that everyone can do, even if they have no sense of rhythm whatsoever and two left feet! It's about redefining what we consider "dance" to be, in the first instance, and then being prepared to throw yourself in the deep end and give it a go, with as much enthusiasm as you can muster and without any fear of judgement or failure. You can do it! (and if you really can't then don't worry - you can always just laugh about it and be proud of yourself for trying anyway!)
What should I wear to a Fitness with Flair class?
Just wear something that you feel comfortable in and which allows you to move. The same goes for footwear – lots of our exercises will focus on articulating through the feet, so if you do wish to wear shoes, you still want to be able to feel your toes and notice how the soles of your feet feel on the floor. If you are comfortable wearing just socks, please make sure they are not too slippery!
Can I bring someone with me to class?
Yes, you are more than welcome to bring a guest of your choice. However, we would prefer if your guest actively participated in the class too - it may be off-putting for some people to have an "audience" in the room!
What will the term consist of?
My aim is to spend the first half-term playing around with all sorts of different tasks, with each session based on a different theme, so we can spend time really getting to know each other and familiarising ourselves with the venue and class structure, without the added pressure of remembering an ongoing routine from week to week! But from week 6 onwards I would like to see if we could work on learning a specific set of exercises. There might even be a little opportunity to perform at the end of term if you want! (Let's wait and see...)
YES!! Dance is something that everyone can do, even if they have no sense of rhythm whatsoever and two left feet! It's about redefining what we consider "dance" to be, in the first instance, and then being prepared to throw yourself in the deep end and give it a go, with as much enthusiasm as you can muster and without any fear of judgement or failure. You can do it! (and if you really can't then don't worry - you can always just laugh about it and be proud of yourself for trying anyway!)
What should I wear to a Fitness with Flair class?
Just wear something that you feel comfortable in and which allows you to move. The same goes for footwear – lots of our exercises will focus on articulating through the feet, so if you do wish to wear shoes, you still want to be able to feel your toes and notice how the soles of your feet feel on the floor. If you are comfortable wearing just socks, please make sure they are not too slippery!
Can I bring someone with me to class?
Yes, you are more than welcome to bring a guest of your choice. However, we would prefer if your guest actively participated in the class too - it may be off-putting for some people to have an "audience" in the room!
What will the term consist of?
My aim is to spend the first half-term playing around with all sorts of different tasks, with each session based on a different theme, so we can spend time really getting to know each other and familiarising ourselves with the venue and class structure, without the added pressure of remembering an ongoing routine from week to week! But from week 6 onwards I would like to see if we could work on learning a specific set of exercises. There might even be a little opportunity to perform at the end of term if you want! (Let's wait and see...)