Parkinson’s is a disorder that progressively affects the nervous system and therefore an individual’s movement in the form of stiffness, restricted mobility, and joint flexibility, or slowed movement. More than 10 million people worldwide are affected by Parkinson’s, with the likelihood of being diagnosed increasing as you get older.
While there is no current cure for Parkinson’s, there’s a multitude of different activities and practices that help reduce symptoms and make dealing with the challenges of Parkinson’s easier. Studies have shown that some forms of dance, yoga and Tai-Chi have significant positive effects on Parkinson’s symptoms.
Dance NZ is a Nia Dance group in the Hamilton and Raglan region that offers in-person and online classes to all types of individuals. Nia Dance is a non-impact, mindful practice in the form of dance; the dance itself is comprised of 52 total different movements, with each movement originating from a different martial art (like Tai-Chi), healing art (like Yoga), and dance art. It’s a highly adaptable movement and is all about changing the style of movements to best suit your body’s ability rather than limitations.
Dance NZ Classes for Parkinson’s
Dance NZ has a class specifically designed for those with Parkinson’s called ‘Nia for Parkinson’s Freedom Dance‘. This class is an approved Waikato Strength and Balance class for those with limited mobility and seniors. Nia for Parkinson’s Freedom Dance is only available to individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s, as well as their caregivers.
This specific class takes the movements from Nia Dance and adjusts them, making them less complex and far gentler on the body while still providing the same benefits as a regular or slightly more intense Nia Dance routine. Your teacher at Dance NZ and in the Nia for Parkinson’s Freedom Dance class, Belinda Goodwin, has adapted these Nia Dance movements to closely focus on improving brain coordination and balance, as well as increasing strength within the joints and muscles. Belinda has advanced certifications within dance workshops and classes for Parkinson’s and is also certified work first aider.
Nia for Parkinson’s Freedom Dance classes is held at Saint John’s Hall, on Fridays at 12:00 pm. This class’s specific address is 20 Wellington Street, Hamilton, and booking physical classes and Zoom sessions can be done here.
Nia Dance Benefits for Parkinson’s
As stated previously, exercise is strongly recommended for individuals with Parkinson’s, particularly dance, tai-chi, and yoga; Nia Dance movements are the combination of different arts, and these include tai-chi, yoga, and forms of dance such as Duncan dance. This type of fitness has been shown to provide great support and improvement in quality of life, emotional wellbeing, mental and physical health, and different overall challenges that come along with Parkinson’s.
Specifically, Nia Dance has been shown to offer a multitude of benefits such as improved cognitive functions, enhanced sensory awareness and functioning, reduced symptoms within depression and anxiety, supported coordination and balance, increased circulation and positive organ functionality, strengthened muscles, weight loss, and increased mobility and joint flexibility.
Nia for Parkinson’s Freedom Dance, if done in-person, can also be a new, great way to maintain levels of socialization and allow others to meet new people and create new friendships and support systems with their peers. Parkinson’s can sometimes affect relationships and socialisation, so it can be good to form relationships with others undergoing similar challenges. All individuals will be surrounded by a safe, calm, and judgment-free environment.
Book Now
If you, or anyone you know, has Parkinson’s, see if Dance NZ’s Nia for Parkinson’s Freedom Dance is the ideal fit! If you want to contact us about this specific class or have any questions in general, you can submit your query in the question box below. Other classes are also listed below.
Weekly Dance classes to choose from , dancing Live Online or In person at our Dance Venues
• Nia Dance Move to Heal classes are at Saint Aidan’s Hall, Tuesday at 11:15 am (corner of Thames Street and Heaphy Terrace, Hamilton). Physical classes and Zoom sessions are open for booking here.
• Classic Nia classes are at Waikato Sports & Fishing Club, Tuesday at 5:30 pm (Grantham Street, Hamilton). Physical classes and Zoom sessions are open for booking here.
• Gentle Nia classes are at Raglan Town Hall, Wednesday at 9:30 am (located on 41 Bow Street, Raglan). Physical classes and Zoom sessions are open for booking here.
• Classic Nia classes are at Saint John’s Hall, Friday at 9:30 am (20 Wellington Street, Hamilton). Physical classes and Zoom sessions are open for booking here.
More information about the Nia Technique can be located at nianow.com.
Still got questions? Contact us here.
Dance Exercise Class Hamilton
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