ZEST
Dance for People with Parkinson’s
“Even with my two left feet, Wednesday’s dance group is the highlight of my week. Thanks to the choreography of our fabulous leaders I am now finding my right foot.”
Parkinson’s ACT with ZEST: Dance for Wellbeing, presents a weekly dance program in the ACT specifically designed for People with Parkinson’s. Enjoy the fun and challenge of working your brain, your body, your memory and your imagination in this fun-filled session, and make a heap of new friends. The program takes place at both Belconnen and Tuggeranong Arts Centres.
Participants will be led through a carefully planned program of appropriate, enjoyable and challenging dance activities, and will be taught by dance teaching artists Jane Ingall, Jacqui Simmonds, Debora di Centa, Philip Piggin and occasional guest teachers. Together, this team have over 100 years of experience working in the dance world, and are particularly passionate about providing dance programs for all.
For people with Parkinson’s disease, rigorous dance classes led by trained teaching artists are becoming internationally recognised as an important, beneficial and welcome addition to the portfolio of exercise and therapy interventions. By approaching movement as dance students, not as patients, persons with Parkinson’s can focus on PD-specific concerns like mobility, balance, rhythm and flexibility in an enjoyable, social and communal environment. Dance classes create an environment emphasising expression, creativity, engagement and positive relationship building.
The Dance for People with Parkinson’s program started as a single collaborative program between the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group around 2001. Over the past 20 years, Dance for PD has pioneered an arts-based approach that is being adopted by dance companies and schools, Parkinson’s groups and healthcare organisations in more than 65 communities around the world.
No previous experience is necessary, and everyone – persons newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s, others with walkers and wheelchairs, family members and friends – are welcome to participate. Please note this is not a social dance class, and it does not require you to come with a partner.
Where
Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen
Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed St, Greenway
When
Tuesdays > 1.15 – 2.30pm @ Belconnen Arts Centre
Wednesdays > 11.15 – 12.30pm @ Tuggeranong Arts Centre
Fridays > 12.00 – 1.00pm @ Belconnen Arts Centre
To Register
Just turn up a good 10 to 15 minutes before your first class to register and finalise payment – and then dance away! Easy! Do phone before if you would like to check any of the details – 0417 417 182
Dates
Classes run for 10-week terms, in line with ACT School Holidays as below:
Term 1: Wednesday 31 January – 12 April
Term2: Tuesday April 30 – Friday 5 July
Term 3: Tuesday 23 July – Friday September 27
Term 4: Tuesday 15 October – Tuesday 17 December
Costs
$15/class/person OR $120/term of 10 weeks. Companion Card holders receive free admission for a Support Companion, and paid Carers are free also.
You may pay cash in class, or by EFT – details available from the tutors
More info
Visit the ZEST: Dance for Wellbeing website.
Wear clothes comfortable to move in & light shoes, and bring a bottle of water.
Other classes
If you wish to take some additional free Dance for Wellbeing classes, visit the Belco Arts Centre website where there are some 40 classes listed for you to enjoy.
For other classes around Australia visit Dance for Parkinson’s Australia
Enquiries
Contact ZEST Dance for Wellbeing on [email protected] or 0417 417 182.
Some comments from our Dancers
“I look forward to each class – the highlight of my week”
“I come and feel I can dance without judgement, just enjoy the experience”
“Very affirming to do something I can do – but would not have thought I would ever do”
“You have bought the love of music and movement back into my life…..My health is improving too”
“A fabulously supportive program led by professionals who give mind and body opportunities to be challenged, grow and achieve!”
“Great friendships, support and encouragement. We love the thoughtful planning and music, themes and imagination. A very worthwhile afternoon!”
