A person who has lived with the affect of Parkinson’s illness for the previous 5 years has praised a pioneering dance class at Beacon Arts Centre that helps folks handle the situation.
Marking World Parkinson’s Day, David Souza, from Gourock, instructed how the lessons helped him by giving him common train and the prospect to fulfill new folks.
Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological dysfunction on the earth, and round 12,400 folks in Scotland have a prognosis of the situation, for which there’s presently no treatment.
World Parkinson’s Day takes place in the present day and is designed to extend consciousness concerning the situation. This 12 months, organisers are highlighting the advantages of train and motion.
David was recognized on the age of 71 after he seen he was shifting extra slowly and struggling along with his stability and coordination.
His Parkinson’s nurse advisable the category on the Beacon to assist him train and meet new folks. The lessons assist to develop confidence and creativity, whereas additionally utilizing dance to deal with particular points related to Parkinson’s, resembling stability, coordination, gait and adaptability.
Sessions are accompanied by stay piano music. The weekly periods additionally sort out social isolation and loneliness, and every class is adopted by tea, cake and a chat. The programme is a joint initiative between Scottish Ballet and the Dance Base charity, with the Beacon.
Last summer season, the Beacon gave dancers from the Dance for Parkinson’s class a platform to share their experiences of dwelling with the illness with Parkinson’s UK on the Creative Minds pageant.
David Souza, 76, stated:
“I had no experience of dance before, but I do enjoy walking and still go on short walks with the Ramblers. Dance was completely new to me, but I felt very comfortable.
“The classes give me an incentive to exercise in a friendly situation. It is easy not to bother but exercise is certainly helpful for me.
“I particularly enjoy that the classes take place to live piano music. The piano music is beautiful – it is like having a concert every week. It is a real privilege to listen to.
“Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s was a bit of a shock. I started to slow down and fall behind with things. I was out for a walk with the Ramblers and I suddenly found I was leaning to one side. Meeting other people with Parkinson’s helps.
“The classes are having an impact. It is a gradual thing. I am trying to keep exercising as much as I can, and I love meeting new people. The tea and biscuits are a good part of my week.”
Karen Townsend, artistic producer at Beacon Arts Centre, stated:
“Our Dance for Parkinson’s classes are a huge part of the Beacon’s mission to Light Up Lives in Inverclyde. We all experience the joy and vitality in the group, which is always welcoming, friendly and positive.
“David’s story, and our experience every week, shows that it is clear that dance brings huge benefits to people living with Parkinson’s and we are committed to offering these vital opportunities to as many people as we can.
“We have seen how taking part in the class and the social café addresses the social isolation many of the dancers experienced after their diagnosis and has become a vital part of their and their family’s weekly routine.
“We welcome anyone who is interested or thinks it may be of benefit to them or a family member to visit a class or the social café post class.”
Dance for Parkinson’s lessons take place on Tuesdays at 1pm and cost £5 per session. For extra info, or to guide, please go to: www.beaconartscentre.co.uk.
