Hitting the dance floor for Parkinson’s

December 24, 2019 BY Hannah Kenny

Jacqui encouraging participants to feel the music and move along with it from the comfort of their chairs. Photo: HANNAH KENNY

PEOPLE with Parkinson’s along with their carers and supporters put on their dancing shoes at the Torquay Senior Citizens Centre the week before last for more than two hours of music and movement.

Dancing with Parkinson’s – which began on the Surf Coast about four years ago – is a six-week program directed by dancer and percussionist Jacqui Dreessens.

The inclusive sessions see people affected by Parkinson’s engage in social dancing to encourage mobility.

Parkinson’s Victoria is presently involved in a clinical trial with research partner La Trobe University to determine the best dosage of dance exercise for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

“The ParkinDance pilot will develop, assess and refine a therapeutic dance program for people living with Parkinson’s,” the organisation said in a statement.

“For any enquires about this research, people need to call Parkinson’s Victoria on 1800 644 189.”

The 2020 program of Dancing with Parkinson’s will begin on January 16. To register your interest, phone Jacqui on 0488 527 656.