Dance Therapy & Ballroom

Ballroom Dancing for Seniors

Increase Memory Retention

Glowy Gradient Abstract Brush Stroke Blob

Dancing is exactly what you need to keep your memory sharp and your spirit young.

My mission is simple. I want to help those with Dementia, Alzheimers, and those with learning disabilities increase their mental functions and awareness by simply ballroom dancing. It’s also one of the best things for the soul. It’s been proven to not only help physically and mentally, but also emotionally.

Life is short- so make

every moment count.

The Environment

This is a supportive environment, where there is no wrong.

It’s meant to be social and bring people together. Best of all, it’s music they want to hear.

Dementia

Those that have dementia tend to live in the past. Ballroom dancing is a way to marry the past and the present. The music they choose will bring them joy and smiles, which makes learning easier.

Alzheimer's

While people may be unaware of their present and maybe even much of their past, music tends to reach people on a much deeper level and takes away the fear. Rhythm stays- regardless of age. And music lyrics are forever in the mind.

Learning Disabilities

Many adults on the spectrum or with learning disabilities respond well to music and synchronized movement. They like to move back and forth, whether with someone or alone. Happiness ensues.

Click on the title to see the entire article.

Harvard Medical School- 2015

Dancing and the Brain

In a nutshell - the waltz, the foxtrot, swing dancing, hustle, etc. all partner dancing is great for the mind.

Interesting Fact: “Studies using PET imaging have identified regions of the brain that contribute to dance learning and performance. These regions include the motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. The motor cortex is involved in the planning, control, and execution of voluntary movement. The somatosensory cortex, located in the mid region of the brain, is responsible for motor control and also plays a role in eye-hand coordination. The basal ganglia, a group of structures deep in the brain, work with other brain regions to smoothly coordinate movement, while the cerebellum integrates input from the brain and spinal cord and helps in the planning of fine and complex motor actions.”

In the partner dances you have to feel the music. You then need to learn the language of touch between yourself and the other dancer. The next step is t coordinate the movement. The final step is to memorize the combination. All of these together get’s the brain functionning on different levels and simultaneously. Everything working at once, stimulates the different regions of the brain. This alters a person mood and with that, their memory. The last page of the site will list other studies and articles for you to read.

ABOUT ME

FROM THE MOMENT I SAW GENE KELLY AND CYD CHARISSE I WAS HOOKED!

BY TRADE I AM A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER.

BY NIGHT I’M A BALLROOM DANCER.

I’ve been a student since I was 18. I got to dance at the fabulous Derby in the 80's as a swing dancer in full 1940's attire. (I can dance all sorts of partner dances.)

Then in my 40's I went into learning International Standard (as well as doing some fun showcases, as you can see from the photos).

International Standard consists of the following dances:

Slow Waltz
Viennese Walt
Slow Foxtrot
Tango
Quickstep

Dementia, Alzheimer’s are all too common and found in most families.

I have written this children’s book of a little boy that wants to dance.

Truth is children dream of dancing adults too (though most are too embarassed to say it out loud. If put in a safe space, anyone can find the joy of dancing. Many may only be able to walk to the music, but that’s enough to make them happy and fire up their brain activity. Soon, a person with depression, will lighten up and those with memory issues, might become more comfortable, and experience joy.

I am NOT a Dr., just a dancer, who has seen first hand how and what ballroom does for people. I have friends in their 80's and 90's improving their physical and mental health through dance. A few even decide to compete or do a showcase to show off their skills. They want to share their accomplishments, and it’s a heartwarming site to see.

I am certified to teach group physical education lessons, to adults and to elderly.