Aging Gracefully & 
Dance for PD®

Specially designed for older learners, these classes will help improve your mobility, posture, coordination and energy level.

Whether you’re an experienced dancer, have briefly dabbled, or are a complete novice, we welcome all older learners of any ability to try out our classes

Aging Gracefully and Dance for PD® programs are available for groups and individuals at retirement residences, day programs, care facilities and community centers. Movement is key for healthy aging, maintaining mobility and quality of life, and music is a wonderful medium for connecting and improving mood. Activities can be done from standing or sitting positions.

AGING GRACEFULLY

Research shows that 75% of the factors affecting quality of life and longevity are related to lifestyle, while only 25% are hereditary. This means that there’s no excuse for not getting more active, whatever your age, and dance can play a vital role in ensuring a longer and higher-quality life. Aging Gracefully classes can be a great place to meet new people with a passion and joy for life.

DANCE FOR PD®

Our classes are based on the innovative Dance for PD® program designed by the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group. Using this method, professional dancers draw on their unique expertise to help people with Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers engage sight, sound, touch, thought, and imagination to inspire movement and expression. Dancing in chairs, at a barre, or standing, experienced teaching artists lead participants in an enjoyable blend of modern dance, ballet, and social dancing. While strengthening, balancing, and moving in rhythm to music, people with PD also experience the power of dance and music to sharpen attention, inspire, and empower. 

9 ways dance can improve your life

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Dance increases your energy levels

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Dance classes are a great way to expand your social circle/meet new people

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Dance can help reduce stress and support weight loss

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Dance can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease

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Dance slows aging by improving the immune system

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Dance can help diminish the symptoms of depression

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Dance improves balance, resulting in fewer falls later in life

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Dance increases cognitive ability by promoting new connections in the brain

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Dance can enhance your sense of well-being and confidence

What Happens in Class

Most sessions are done with chairs in a circle – it is a chance to be social, exploring dance and creativity in a supportive setting. In these classes, there is no “wrong” way to dance, and there are no routines to remember. No prior dance experience is required.

Classes are lead by instructor Katherine Hardy, who has over ten years of experience of teaching dance to adult learners of various abilities. Classes include a mix of guided dance and improvised movement activities. Katherine integrates elements from Waltz, Polka, Two-Step and other dance styles, encouraging each person to move in the ways that work for their body and mobility. Each session includes a rhythmic but gentle warm-up and stretch followed by movement activities that can all be done seated. The music includes Big Band, Jazz Standards, Motown, Broadway (and sometimes classical), evoking an era well known to those in their 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s..

Various fitness aspects are woven into the class: cardio, muscular strength, endurance and power, flexibility, balance, reaction speed, and multi-tasking. Participants are equally welcome to dance with smaller or bigger movements, or to simply rest, enjoy the music and dance through their imagination. The most important thing is that participants pay attention to what their body needs and listen to their own limits.

Dance for PD® Specific:

Program Requirements (prior to participation)

  • Be diagnosed with Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease
  • Complete an informed consent form, initial assessment, and medical clearance documentation
  • NOT have cardiac or pulmonary disease, uncontrolled mellitus, uncontrolled hypertension or stroke, dementia, or other medical conditions for which exercise poses a risk

Your Class Starts Here

Current Aging Gracefully Classes:

Burleigh County Senior Center
3rd Wednesday of the month at 2:00pm

Current Dance for Parkinson’s Classes:

Benedictine Living Community
Every Wednesday: Time TBA