NeuroDance Napier: Dance for Parkinson'sDance is for everyone.
NeuroDance is a weekly dance and exercise class in Napier, Hawke's Bay, for people living with Parkinson's and other neurological conditions, and the people who care for them. Carmen Davidson has offered these classes since 2017, using the Dance for PD® method from New York.
Every week
Fridays
10.30 to 11.30am
Morning tea and a chat afterwards
St Mary's Church Hall
58 Osier Road, Greenmeadows, Napier
Who comes to NeuroDance
People living with any of these, and their partners, carers, family and friends. No dance experience needed.
- Parkinson's
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Muscular dystrophy (MD)
- Life after a stroke
- The stiffness and wobbles that come with age
“He stood for the longest time (he is generally in a wheelchair), and after the class he amazingly reached over and fastened his seatbelt. This was a first!”
“There is so much pleasure in moving to music. Physically, I've noticed big improvements, particularly with posture and balance. And a huge benefit comes from the social interaction and the shared enjoyment.”
Why dance for Parkinson's?
Dancing is good exercise for Parkinson's, and it is fun, social and good for you. Each class weaves therapeutic work into the dancing. Here is what every class is built around.
Balance
Steadier on your feet, and more aware of where your body is in space.
Range of movement
More grace and flexibility, worked gently, at whatever range you have today.
Mind and body
Music and rhythm help you start a movement and keep it going.
Company
Creativity, confidence and joy in a room of people who get it.
A Friday morning
More on what to expect- 1
Arrive and settle in
Find a chair, say hello. Bring your partner, carer or a friend if you like. They dance too.
- 2
Dance for an hour
Music, simple steps and plenty of laughter. Seated, standing or holding a chair: your choice, all morning.
- 3
Morning tea
Stay on after class for a cuppa and a chat with everyone.
Built on Dance for PD®
Dance for PD® began in New York in 2001, a collaboration between the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group. Its classes bring the joy of dance to people with Parkinson's while working on balance, thinking, walking, mood and physical confidence.
NeuroDance is taught by a trained Dance for PD® instructor, on that method. Over the years the class has also welcomed people living with MS, MD and the effects of a stroke, and they too have found real value in the movement, the music and the company.
“It is the joy that these classes evoke that make them the highlight of my week. It feeds my soul hearing how developing a conscious movement vocabulary benefits participants in their daily lives.”
Carmen Davidson, instructorQuestions
Do I need to have danced before?
No. Every movement is taught from the start, and you join in as much or as little as suits you.
Is it a seated exercise class? What if I can't stand for long?
Chairs are part of the class. You can dance seated, standing or holding the back of a chair, and change your mind as often as you like during the hour. What happens in a class.
Is dancing good for Parkinson's?
Exercise is one of the most useful things you can do for Parkinson's, and dance adds music, memory and company to it. Studies of Dance for PD® and similar programmes have reported benefits for balance, walking and quality of life. It is not a treatment, so keep following your own medical team's advice.
What is Dance for PD®?
Dance for PD® is a dance programme for people with Parkinson's, started in New York in 2001 by the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group. It trains teachers to adapt dance for people living with Parkinson's, and NeuroDance follows its method. About your Dance for PD® instructor.
Can my partner, carer or a friend come too?
Yes, please bring them. Family, friends and care partners dance alongside participants, and stay for morning tea afterwards.
Is it only for Parkinson's?
The class follows the Dance for PD® method, designed for people with Parkinson's. The class also welcomes people living with MS, MD, the effects of a stroke and other conditions that affect movement.
Is it safe for me?
Every exercise can be adapted, and you always choose your own range. If you have questions about your own condition, check with your doctor or physio first, and let us know anything we should know before class.
Where and when is it?
Fridays, 10.30 to 11.30am, at St Mary's Church Hall, 58 Osier Road, Greenmeadows, Napier: close to Taradale and an easy drive from Hastings. Morning tea and a chat follow the class.
How much does it cost?
Give us a call or WhatsApp on 022 365 5925 for current fees.
Put aside your apprehensions and give it a whirl.
Give us a call or a WhatsApp on 022 365 5925 before your first Friday. Class starts at 10.30am at St Mary's Church Hall, 58 Osier Road, Greenmeadows.