1900 in every 100,000 individuals over the age of 80 suffer from Parkinson’s disease. For the 40+ age group, the number is 41 per 100,000. The incidence of the disease, or the rate of newly diagnosed cases, generally increases with age,
although it can stabilise in people who are older than 80.
The disease affects patients’ quality of life, making social interaction more difficult.
Moreover, the piling medical expenses worsen their financial condition. Medical treatment usually relieves only symptoms because the disease has no known cure.
Centre For Contemporary Dance, in affiliation with MMDG, has initiated this program in Pune and one of its kind in India. The program is offered for FREE through the generous support of the Avartan Dance Foundation.
Hrishikesh’s Centre of Contemporary Dance, in affiliation with MMDG, has initiated this programme in Pune. The collaboration came in after two years of consistently sharing Avartan’s experience with the MMDG and modifying it to suit Indian participants, be it music or movements. Now, Avartan actively contributes session plans on the
MMDG platform to be used elsewhere in the world, as
applicable. The programme facilitators integrate movements from Indian classical and modern dance into the choreographic repertory.
Also, as a part of the affiliation, Hrishikesh represents MMDG on its online platforms.
The class is an aesthetic experience that uses the elements of narrative, imagery, live music, and community to develop artistry and grace while addressing Parkinson’s-specific concerns such as balance, flexibility, coordination, isolation, and depression.
Dance challenges the cognitive and motor skill movements of any individual. One must be present and aware in every moment as one moves from one side to another. More so for the participants of this programme. Also, music makes them happy. They find a space where they can get together with people who find themselves in similar situations, and it also gives them a sense of purpose. The choreography has a defined goal of narrating the participants’ stories from their childhood, work, and other experiences.
The collaboration came in after years of consistent sharing of experiences with the MMDG and modifying it to suit Indian participants, be it music or movements. We now actively contribute session plans on the MMDG platform to be used globally, as applicable. The program facilitators integrate movements from Indian classical and modern dance into the choreographic repertory.
