Senior Wellness Spotlight: Dance Through Parkinson’s at JCCOTP 

Living with Parkinson’s disease presents unique challenges, particularly concerning movement, balance, and coordination. However, a growing body of evidence shows that regular, targeted exercise can significantly improve quality of life. An engaging and effective form of this exercise is dance. At JCCOTP in Tenafly, NJ, we are proud to feature a program specifically designed to empower individuals with Parkinson’s: Dance Through PD with Jamie Desser. This class offers a supportive and joyful environment to enhance mobility and reconnect with your body. 

Everyone with Parkinson’s can benefit from staying active, regardless of their current fitness level or the stage of the disease. Movement is medicine, and this program is a testament to that belief. It’s not about becoming a professional dancer; it’s about using the art of movement to manage symptoms and foster a sense of well-being. 

The Power of Movement for Parkinson’s 

Parkinson’s disease can affect motor skills, making everyday actions more difficult. Symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and impaired balance can create feelings of frustration and limitation. The key to counteracting these effects is consistent physical activity. 

Exercise helps stimulate the brain to form new neural connections, a concept known as neuroplasticity. For people with Parkinson’s, this means that targeted movements can help the brain find new pathways to control the body. This can lead to improved walking, better posture, and increased flexibility. The benefits extend beyond the physical, often reducing feelings of depression and anxiety while boosting cognitive function. 

A program like a dance through Parkinson’s class provides a structured and enjoyable way to get the exercise you need. The combination of music, rhythm, and social interaction makes it an activity many people look forward to each week. 

Discover JCCOTP’s Dance Through PD Program 

Our Dance Through PD class is more than just an exercise session; it’s a community. Led by the talented and certified instructor Jamie Desser, this program is tailored to the specific needs of individuals with Parkinson’s. Jamie’s expertise creates a safe, welcoming space where every participant can move at their own pace. 

What Makes This Class Special? 

The class focuses on choreographed routines that are both fun and functional. Jamie Desser guides participants through a series of movements designed to directly address common Parkinson’s symptoms. Each step and gesture has a purpose. 

• Boosting Balance: The routines incorporate weight shifts, turns, and movements that challenge and strengthen your core. Consistent practice helps improve stability, reducing the risk of falls and increasing confidence in your ability to move freely. 

• Enhancing Movement: From graceful arm extensions to rhythmic footwork, the choreography encourages a wider range of motion. This helps combat the rigidity and slowness (bradykinesia) often associated with Parkinson’s, making daily tasks easier. 

• Strengthening the Mind-Body Connection: Dance requires you to think about how you are moving, creating a powerful link between your mind and body. This focused attention improves coordination and proprioception—your sense of where your body is in space. The mental engagement of learning and recalling sequences is also a fantastic cognitive workout. 

The dance through Parkinson’s method used in this class is based on the idea that dancers are experts in movement. By using dance vocabulary and imagery, participants learn to approach their own movement with greater intention, grace, and control. 

Join a Class and Let’s Dance Today 

Ready to take a step toward better movement and well-being? Join us for Dance Through PD with Jamie Desser on Tuesdays at 1 PM and Wednesdays at 10:30 AM, where you’ll find your rhythm, improve your balance, and connect with a wonderful community. Every class is a chance to move with purpose and discover the healing power of dance through Parkinson’s together.