I’ve been pondering Olie Westheimer’s question about what is unique about dance (versus exercise) that makes it so beneficial to those of us with Parkinson’s Disease.
The following are some random thoughts about why I prefer dancing with the Rockyettes over other forms of exercise for the management of my Parkinson’s symptoms.
Methods:
As a former CPA, let’s face it: I dance and think like an accountant. I do what I do best: spreadsheets. I create a 3 column spreadsheet for each new dance that I learn.
1st column: lyrics
2nd column: written dance steps
3rd column: graphic (clip art) that depicts the step
By using all of the above methods– lyrics, written steps, graphics – I am more likely to remember.
Self-Cueing: In addition, I use self-cuing to remember the steps and sequences. Certain words in the lyrics and certain musical instruments in the songs remind me that I should be at a certain place in the dance. Also, I make up names to remind myself of the step. For example, one step reminds me of the Statute of Liberty, and I name it as such. Another dancer names a step "shaking the laundry" because it reminds her of that.
My class is made up of many retired teachers who have helped their students learn by creative methods, using all of their senses.
Focus: Dance helps me to focus and concentrate. It is important to focus on the current dance step/sequence while at the same time asking myself what step comes next. It's a form of multitasking, which most of us with Parkinson’s struggle with.
Visualization: Once I've learned a dance fairly well, I use mental rehearsal to solidify what I learned. Before bed, I visualize in my mind the entire dance with accompanying music. This only works if I already know the dance, otherwise I'm rehearsing errors in the movies of my mind.
Psychological Benefits: Dancing and depression/apathy are incompatible. It's impossible for me to be depressed while dancing. In class, our focus is on dance, not personal problems.
Power of the Group: Most of the Rockyettes are in their 60s and 70s. It appears that out of the 50 dancers, I am the only one with Parkinson’s, while some of the other dancers are dealing with serious health issues, e.g., cancer, rods in backs, etc. We see ourselves as dancers, not patients.
With the focus being on dance, I never think or feel like I have Parkinson’s when I dance. People tell me that they don't observe my Parkinson’s symptoms when I dance.
The experience that I have practicing my dance with the video at home in the basement is entirely different from dancing with the group in the dance studio. Any feelings of loneliness and isolation dissipate immediately when I enter the dance studio.
Also, not wanting to let down the other dancers motivates me to learn the dances.
Performing: One of the reasons that I joined the Rockyettes was because the group frequently performs at different retirement communities and at various events (including my upcoming sweet 60th birthday party in October). For someone with strong performance needs such as me, dancing provides the perfect outlet. It is rewarding to dance to appreciative audiences, and we are inspired to keep on dancing.
I’m in the front row, last person on the right.
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