Dancing Through Parkinson's: How Movement Brings Joy and Healing

Dr. Chelsea Moehlenbrock Author

Dance has emerged as a powerful ally in managing Parkinson's disease, offering both physical and emotional benefits that extend far beyond the dance floor. As a physical therapist and dancer working directly with the Parkinson's community, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of dance in improving quality of life.

Dance provinces a multisensory engagement, combining physical movement with cognitive tasks. The beat of the music, being an external cue, can help individuals with Parkinson’s move with more ease. Here are some other key benefits of dance for people with Parkinson’s Disease:

Physical Improvements

• Enhanced balance and coordination

• Improved flexibility and range of motion

• Better posture and gait

• Increased strength and endurance

Cognitive Benefits

• Improved memory through learning dance sequences

• Enhanced focus and concentration

• Better mind-body connection

• Stimulated neural plasticity

Social and Emotional Impact

• Reduced isolation through group participation

• Increased confidence and self-expression

• Joy and emotional release through movement

• Stronger sense of community

Research has consistently shown that tango is particularly effective in improving gait patterns for individuals with Parkinson's disease. The basic pattern of tango naturally mirrors and reinforces the components of functional walking: weight shifting, precise foot placement, and dynamic balance control. Studies demonstrate that tango participants show significant improvements in both forward and backward walking, essential activities that often become challenging with Parkinson's progression. What makes tango uniquely beneficial is its emphasis on movement initiation, sudden changes in direction, and variable rhythms – all critical aspects that directly address common gait impairments in Parkinson's disease. The dance form requires participants to maintain an upright posture while executing deliberate steps, promoting better balance and reducing the risk of falls. Furthermore, the partner-based nature of tango provides additional sensory cues and feedback, helping participants develop better spatial awareness and movement control.

So if you have a friend or family member that has Parkinson’s Disease, consider looking up movement classes in your area for them. Here are some places to start your search:

Dance for PD

Parkinson's Association of the Rockies

Michael J. Fox Exercise Resources

Studies:

Docu Axelerad A, Stroe AZ, Muja LF, Docu Axelerad S, Chita DS, Frecus CE, Mihai CM. Benefits of Tango Therapy in Alleviating the Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease Patients-A Narrative Review. Brain Sci. 2022 Mar 27;12(4):448. doi: 10.3390/brainsci12040448. PMID: 35447980; PMCID: PMC9031475.

Rabini, G., Meli, C., Prodomi, G. et al. Tango and physiotherapy interventions in Parkinson’s disease: a pilot study on efficacy outcomes on motor and cognitive skills. Sci Rep 14, 11855 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-62786-6