News & Updates

The benefits of dance for people with Parkinson’s are well-documented.

 

Parkinson’s is a neurological disease in which nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter, degenerate causing Parkinson’s Disease symptoms, such as difficulty moving, rigidity, tremor, fatigue and loss of balance. In a Dance for Parkinson’s class, people who think “they have two left feet” discover the joys of making big flowing movements to inspiring music. Instructors use music from a variety of genres, including classical, jazz, show tunes, rock, and contemporary. The variety of rhythms facilitates varied movement speeds, from slow flowing to sharp percussive. It is thought that music with strong rhythmic components may bypass the parts of the brain affected by Parkinson’s, allowing for more freedom of movement and artistic expression.

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Free Classes

We offer two weekly classes that are exclusively for people diagnosed with Parkinson's and their caregivers. (One is held in Davis and one in Sacramento)

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We are currently offering both Zoom and in person options (and you are welcome to attend whichever way works best for you each week). Classes are sponsored and supported by the Pamela Trokanski Dance Theatre, and are offered free of charge. FREE CLASSES Classes are ongoing, with short breaks between sessions, is suitable for people with Parkinson’s of all ages and abilities. No prior dance experience is necessary, but please register before attending the class. The first half of the class is performed sitting, with a focus on movements of the upper body. The class progresses to standing dances, which can be performed holding onto the ballet barre, sitting or without support, whichever is safest for the participant. The class is a wonderful opportunity for social interaction and fun.

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About Us

The teaching team has more than 15 years of experience teaching people with Parkinson’s disease. Pamela Trokanski (Pamela Trokanski Dance Theatre and Dance Workshop) has trained in multiple dance forms and brings over 40 years of teaching contemporary, jazz, ballet, and Afro-Caribbean dance patterns to movers ages 4 – 90+. Kathy Van Hoof, who danced with Sacramento Ballet, Capitol City Ballet and Ruth Rosenberg Dance Ensemble, brings a background of ballet, modern dance and tap to her teaching and choreography. Elaine Silver-Melia, a retired physician, has studied ballet her whole life. She also does tap, tango and folk dancing. All three teachers have received training through the Dance for Parkinson’s program of the Mark Morris Dance Group

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To sign up

Please contact Robin at rcarlson404@yahoo.com

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