Dance Health Alliance (DHA) is a not for profit organisation, facilitating innovative dance programs designed to improve quality of life, help restore body/mind balance and combat ill health.
One of the programs DHA runs is the DanceWell Community Class. These classes were originally designed specifically for people living with Multiple Scleroses, Parkinson’s Disease and movement restrictions; however, it is a class inclusive of anybody who just wants to dance.
Dancing is Good For You!!
Dancing in general has been appreciated for its several benefits – including improved muscle strength and tone, coordination, flexibility, agility, spatial awareness, cognition, memory, mood, balance (reducing risk of falls and improving “balance confidence”), stress relief, self – confidence, social and psychological well-being. It positively impacts all aspects of our health- mind, body and soul.
Dancing integrates physical activity with several brain functions simultaneously — kinaesthetic, musical, sensory and emotional – this increases neural connectivity and neurogenesis (new nerve growth) via many chemicals including BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). Hence, dance can be of benefit to those suffering from neurological conditions such as dementia, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.
Numerous studies have been conducted on the benefits of dancing. A particularly interesting study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that out of eleven physical activities, dancing was the only one that lowered dementia risk by a significant 76%.
What happens in a DanceWell Class?
The class starts seated for all and then there is an option to stand halfway through the class. Each class is different, and teachers adapt the movements according to an individual participants’ needs. Every class and playlist is unique and draws from many various dance styles and genres of music. This is in order to personalise classes based on dancers’ specific needs and requirements and to facilitate healing that is fun, energetic and transformative. You really can dance like no one is watching as there is no right or wrong way to dance in a DanceWelll community class. They focus on the pure joy of movement.
Is Everyone Allowed to participate in a DanceWell Class?
The answer is YES. You may have restricted movement for many reasons (broken a bone, arthritis, a sore hip or any niggling injury that stops you from exercising). You might want to come along because you like to dance but a full on dance class would be too much. In this class you set your own pace.
DanceWell Class Details
The classes run for 60 mins. However, teachers are flexible and can adapt to the needs of the group. The classes are $15 per class for a casual attendance and $10 per class if you book for a ten-week session. DHA is a Not for Profit Organisation and subsidise the cost of your classes. DanceWell Classes have a maximum of 15 participants. Comfortable clothes that are easy to move in is the dress code (so you don’t have to buy expensive activewear).
Why not go along and try a class and see if it is for you?
DanceWell Class Details/Contact Details
Where: Meeting Rooms Level 2, 102 Longueville Road, Lane Cove
When: Thursday at 10.30 am – 11.30 am
How much: $10 per class when paid upfront, for a 10 week term, or $15 casual.
Parking: Park in Little Street Carpark – three hours free parking
Website: https://www.dancehealthalliance.org.au/dance-well-classes-nsw/
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @dancehealthalliance
Instagram: @dancehealthalliance
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