Parkinsons is neurological disease that commonly affects individuals within the senior community. This degenerative ailment often causes the individual to have difficulty moving, as well as undergo symptoms such as slurred speech, tremors, or depression. This blog will discuss an excellent social Parkinsons dance Hamilton class, going in-depth about the movement form practiced and its effect on Parkinson’s.
While there is no present treatment for Parkinson’s, there’s a range of studies that detail specific exercise, activities, and types of movement that can help deal with symptoms of Parkinson’s. Some forms of fitness that help significantly include yoga, tai-chi, and dance to name a few. Research has also indicated that people with higher levels of activity tend to present Parkinson’s symptoms with lower severity.
If you or someone you know has Parkinson’s, read on to learn about the wonders of Nia Dance, how this holistic dance fitness can help with Parkinson’s symptoms, and where to access it.
The Wonders of Nia Dance for Parkinsons
Nia Dance is a holistic movement and mindfulness practice that takes the form of 52 dance movements. It’s non-impact and highly adaptable, and can be performed standing up using your whole body or sitting down, being performed by just your upper body.
Each of the 52 movements is inspired and adapted from 9 different movements arts, coming from healing, dance, or martial arts. Some of these inspired movement forms include tai-chi and yoga, both of which are highly recommended exercises for individuals with Parkinson’s.
Nia dance is about listening to your body and changing the style of movements to best suit your body’s limitations rather than forcing actions and potentially risking injury or fatigue. This form of holistic movement has been demonstrated to improve quality of life, emotional well-being, mental and physical health, and improve symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.
When practiced in person, Nia Dance can be a great way for people to socialise and have the opportunity to meet new people. It’s also a fantastic way to support others and be supported in a safe, calm, judgment-free environment. Because Parkinson’s disease can sometimes disrupt relationships and socialization, it’s beneficial to build bonds with individuals who are facing similar issues.
Nia Dance is known to produce many benefits surrounding mental and physical health, emotional well-being, and spirituality. Some benefits that Nia Dance provides that are ideal and important for those with Parkinson’s includes increased mobility, better joint flexibility, reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms, improved posture, enhanced circulation, better cognitive and organ function, improved sensory awareness, and strengthened muscles.
A Perfect Parkinsons Class
Dance NZ is a group based in the Hamilton and Raglan area. This dance company provides an array of physical and online Nia Dance classes. Each class was designed to be able to suit any individual’s specific abilities or needs. Nia for Parkinson’s Freedom Dance is a Dance NZ class created exclusively for people with Parkinsons’.
In fact, the class is only available to individuals with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. This is because all movements are designed specifically to adapt to certain mobility levels or restrictions Parkinsons might present. The Freedom Dance is an approved class by the Waikato Strength and Balance classes for those with limited mobility and seniors.
The Freedom Dance class adapts the Nia Dance techniques and movements to make them less complex and kinder on the body. Each movement still provides the same health and mood benefits as regular Nia Dance classes. Belinda Goodwin is your instructor at Dance NZ as well as your Nia for Parkinson’s Freedom Dance class.
She has customized these Nia Dance movements for the Freedom Dance to focus on strengthening brain coordination and balance. Movements have also been adapted to boost joint and muscle strength. Belinda holds advanced credentials in Parkinson’s dance seminars and programs has completed her brown belt training and is a qualified first aider.
Nia for Parkinson’s Freedom Dance class is available as in-person classes if you live in the Hamilton area. However, there are also live online Zoom sessions accessible which capture the in-person class. These take place at the same time. Online sessions are ideal if you don’t live in the area, can’t travel to the venue, or prefer participating from home.
Book Now
Nia Dance has been shown to provide significant help and support to those with Parkinson’s’. If you or someone you know has Parkinson’s, come and attend a class today! You can also find other classes listed below.
Have a question about classes or Nia Dance? Write your question in the submission box below and Dance NZ will respond as fast as possible.
Weekly Dance classes to choose from , dancing Live Online or In person at our Dance Venues
• Nia Dance Move to Heal: Available at 11:15 a.m, every Tuesday. This Move to Heal class is located at the venue of Saint Aidan’s Hall. Zoom sessions are also available here.
• Classic Nia One: Available at 5:30 p.m, each Tuesday. This Classic Nia class is offered at the Fishing and Sports Club, Waikato. This venue is located in Hamilton on Grantham Street. Zoom sessions are also open here.
• Gentle Nia: Available at 9:30 a.m, each Wednesday. This Gentle Nia class is located at the venue of Raglan Town Hall. This venue is located in Raglan at 41 Bow Street. Zoom sessions are also open here.
• Classic Nia Two: Available at 9:30 a.m, each Friday. This Classic Nia class is located in Saint John’s Hall. This venue is located in Hamilton at 20 Wellington Street. Zoom sessions are also open here.
• Nia for Parkinson’s Freedom Dance: Available at 12:00 pm, each Friday. The Parkinson’s Freedom Dance class is located in Hamilton at Saint John’s Hall. Zoom sessions are also open here.
Learn more about the Nia Technique at nianow.com.