Dance for Parkinson’s

OU School of Dance Teaching Dance for Parkinson’s

In multiple peer-reviewed studies, people with Parkinson’s who dance have shown improved balance, walking, cognition and overall quality of their lives. OU’s Dance for Parkinson’s classes give participants an opportunity to experience the benefits and joy of dance in a friendly, social atmosphere surrounded by the beauty of the OU campus.

Kathleen Redwine, School of Dance faculty member and coordinator of the Dance for Parkinson’s program, said, “I truly believe dance is for everyone, and sharing my love of dance in our Dance for Parkinson’s class is one of the highlights of my week. We laugh, dance and even create some of our own movement. While these classes are designed with Parkinson’s in mind, people with other movement disorders are welcome, too.”

The director of the School of Dance, Michael Bearden, said, "Offering services such as our dance classes for people with Parkinson's disease is a vital part of what we do in the OU School of Dance. It is important that we give back to the community through this life-enhancing program, and at the same time, it creates a wonderful educational opportunity for our students."