Dance isn't just exercise, it's brain training.
Unlike most physical activity, dance creates the ideal environment for neuroplasticity: your brain's ability to form new neural connections and find new pathways around areas affected by Parkinson's.
It's the type of learning your brain needs
Dance combines novelty and salience (meaningful, engaging movement) in a way that most other exercise doesn't. This is exactly the kind of stimulation your brain needs to build new connections.
It works with your brain's reward system
Parkinson's affects dopamine, which plays a key role in motivation and reward. Music-led movement helps activate this reward system, making you want to move rather than having to push yourself through it.
It supports everything else you do
Dance is a full-spectrum activity. It brings together balance, coordination, rhythm, memory, and social connection all at once, so the benefits carry over into daily life.
The result: dance helps you do other things better.
You really don't need any dance experience. All it takes is a willingness to be creative, have a laugh and enjoy the company of like-minded people.
Each class lasts an hour and is led by professional dance artist Lynn Staff. You'll move through a wonderful mix of styles, drawn from Lynn's contemporary and Latin dance background.
Over the weeks, you might find yourself trying: Cha Cha Cha, Salsa and Tango, Scottish reels and Morris dancing, African dance, Jazz and Bollywood.
Everyone works at their own pace. While seated participation is always welcome, Lynn makes sure there's the opportunity to be up and on your feet for at least 40 minutes of the class. There's never any pressure to do more than feels right, and nothing you can get wrong.
Afterwards, we put the kettle on. The social time over tea and coffee matters just as much as the dancing. It's a chance to talk through anything on your mind, whether that's something about your symptoms or simply everything other than Parkinson's.
The crane dance was created by the class for the World Parkinson’s Congress in Japan in June 2019.
Monday afternoons at 2:00pm
Wednesday mornings at 10:30am
Both classes run for an hour at the same venue, followed by tea, coffee and a friendly chat.
Where
Dorset Gardens Methodist Church
Dorset Gardens, Brighton, BN2 1RL
How much
Your first class: £5 drop-in
After that: £50 for an 8-week course
We keep our prices low so that cost is never a barrier to joining.
Before you come
Please give Lynn a quick call for a friendly chat before your first class, so she knows to expect you and can answer any questions. You'll find her details in the Contact section below.
Dance for Parkinson's Brighton is led by Lynn Staff, a professional dance artist and Pilates teacher with a lifelong love of movement.
Lynn has danced since the age of five, training in modern and tap before moving into contemporary dance, which she has practised ever since. She has also trained extensively in Latin styles including Tango and Salsa.
Her Dance for Parkinson's training comes from the very best. She trained with David Leventhal, a founding teacher of the Dance for Parkinson's approach, which originated with the Mark Morris Dance Group in Brooklyn, New York, and is now practised all over the world. She has also trained through People Dancing, the UK's leading community dance organisation.
Alongside her dance work, Lynn has been a Pilates teacher for over 20 years, specialising in supporting people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis.
Lynn's connection to Parkinson's is personal. Her father lived with the condition, and it inspired her to bring together her deep knowledge of movement and her love of dance to support the Parkinson's community in Brighton. She started Dance for Parkinson's Brighton eight years ago with a single class, and later added a second. The classes have been supported by three National Lottery grants, the Lions Club and Parkinson's UK.
Suzanne
"I love dancing and go to both classes. Whether I'm being a sailor pulling up the sail or swaying to a waltz, my Parkinson's symptoms are being addressed without my noticing. I love the classes and the hour goes by far too fast."
Naomi
"Our weekly sessions have become a fixture in my life. It is lovely to see everyone and I feel very supported knowing that all the people in the class understand how it is to suffer from Parkinson's. We warm up together, exercise together, chat together, and we do get a lot of dancing done as well."
Dave
"Normally dancing is outside my comfort zone. Lynn's Dance for Parkinson's sessions enable me to leave my inhibitions at the door and enjoy dancing in a friendly, supportive, non-judgemental atmosphere."
Carrie
"I was dismayed when Parkinson's robbed me of my sense of rhythm and easy movement. I find my sense of rhythm resurface during my Parkinson's dance class, along with easing of my stiff bodily movements. I always feel better."
Trish
"Attending the Parkinson's dance class has made a real difference to me. Since joining, I have noticed improvements in my balance, co-ordination and strength, and it has helped me feel more confident in my movement. I would happily recommend the class to anyone living with Parkinson's looking for a positive way to stay active."
Victoria
"You have given me a pathway through the forest."
Kath
"We may not have a Fred Astaire or a Ginger Rogers in the dance class, but we do love moving to Lynn's inspirational music and her enjoyable, choreographed routines. The class is the highlight of my week, and I look forward to the dancing and catching up with the other dancers. Come and join us."
We'd love to welcome you. Before your first class, please get in touch with Lynn for a friendly chat, so she knows to expect you and can answer any questions.
