Parkinson's Programs for the Artistically Inclined

Parkinson's Association of the Rockies (PAR) currently offers classes for dance (Rhythm and Grace), art (Artful Expressions-coming soon), and singing (Tremble Clefs).  They are also exploring the possibility of an additional  course for drawing/painting.  I have spoken in previous posts about the importance of "staying engaged with your passions".  These are wonderful opportunities for those who enjoy participating in the arts.

RHYTHM & GRACE

In Rhythm and Grace dance classes, participants explore  movement and music in ways that are enjoyable, stimulating and creative. Dance is appropriate for anyone with PD, no matter how advanced, although no dance experience is required. In chairs, at a barre or moving across the floor, you will explore elements of modern dance, ballet, tap, folk and social dancing in a non-pressured, social environment in which music energizes, enriches and empowers.

Dance for PD® is a unique collaboration between the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group. The program is built on one fundamental premise: professionally trained dancers are movement experts whose knowledge is useful to persons with PD. Dancers know all about stretching and strengthening muscles, and about balance and rhythm. Classes modeled after Dance for PD now occur in more than 40 communities in the US, Canada, Italy, India, Israel, UK and Germany.

Cost: $5/Class

Location : Dance Arts Studio, 555 Burbank Street, #N, Broomfield, CO 

Contact :             (303) 830-1839      , SLanzer@ParkinsonRockies.org

ARTFUL EXPRESSIONS

Launch party:
        Canvas and Cocktails

|   249 Clayton Street, Denver, CO 80206 6:00pm - Meet and Greet Artful Expressions Facilitator, Linda Larkin 6:30pm - Participate in a private painting party for $40

TREMBLE CLEFS

The Tremble Clefs program focuses on utilizing good breathing practice, louder voice volume and wider pitch range; thus addressing some of the most serious voice symptoms found in people with Parkinson’s. Participation in a Tremble Clefs singing program can help address common symptoms of PD through breathing, stretching and posture activities, vocal exercise and rhythm and movement. Research has shown that vocal exercise enhances voice volume in people with Parkinson’s, and that the presence of music and rhythm improves movement.  Singing can be both physically and emotionally invigorating. Please join us!

Location : Valmont Community Presbyterian Church: 3262 North 61st Street Boulder, CO 80301 or  Shalom Cares Wellness Center, 14800 East Belleview Drive, Aurora, CO 80015 
Contact :             (303) 830-1839      , SLanzer@ParkinsonRockies.org

For those of you who have read my post titled "Grampa Music", you already know that music has been one of my most significant passions since I was young.  I have had problems with breath support and volume as well as range and voice quality as the disease has progressed.  Singing is my voice therapy of choice.  I have been singing in my church choir and community chorus since moving to Highlands Ranch in 2009.  Over the last year or so, the voice changes have become problematic, especially during periods when I am not singing.  Once I get back into the swing of rehearsals, I am able to return to a respectable level.  I can make further improvements by doing the Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT) exercises I have learned (LSVT is the "gold standard" for voice therapy related to PD).

The national website for Tremble Clefs can be found at http://www.trembleclefs.com.    I have had the opportunity to meet some of the folks in Phoenix who are involved in a good example of what Tremble Clefs can accomplish.  An amazing video about their group, including their performance of the National Anthem at an Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game, can be seen at http://vimeo.com/44259112.

I am involved in conversations with PAR regarding Denver area singing programs and hope to play a role as the programs develop.