As part of our next Fighting Fit programme in March we are delighted to welcome Lesley Shaw as our dance instructor.
Lesley is a proud member of ‘People Dancing’ (The Foundation for Community Dance) and of ‘Dance for Parkinson’s UK’, a network of professional dance teachers. She delivers a weekly programme of dance for the Amersham & High Wycombe branch of Parkinson’s UK.
Lesley points out that research shows dance benefits people with Parkinson’s not only physically and emotionally, but cognitively as well.
She says “We know that when we dance we feel more energised and lighter in mood, but we also benefit from the brain training inherent in dancing. This can have a direct and positive effect on our problem solving abilities. There is also evidence that it helps to improve our balance, strength, flexibility, coordination and spatial awareness. If that’s not enough encouragement to get involved, it’s also great fun!”.
During our Fighting Fit session Lesley plans to explore different styles of dance, music and rhythms, all loosely based on dance movements from around the world. The session is for people with Parkinson’s as well as their partners. For those with limited mobility, dance moves can be done sitting down or holding the back of a chair for support.
Fighting Fit is an innovative residential weekend programme for younger and working-age people with Parkinson’s that encourages self-management. The aim is to provide information and sign-posting, to share experiences and discuss the practical and emotional impact of living and working with Parkinson’s.
If you want to find out more, you can either contact us, or sign up to our newsletter which will provide you with updates and news about this exciting opportunity.