Allow us to introduce you to Dance d’Elegance, Medina's own adult dance studio that offers a plethora of social classes and workshops, ranging from ballroom to bachata. But there's one offering at Dance d’Elegance that you won't commonly find at other adult studios, and it's ballroom dancing and drumming classes for individuals impacted by Parkinson's disease.
Each 90-minute class, offered twice a week, aims to slow the progression of Parkinson's through the combination of mental and physical exercise that triggers blood flow to areas of the brain most affected by the disease. Movements of dancing and drumming are a mainstay of each class, as they help to ease rigidity and brain fog and improve motor skills.
Why 90 minutes? Studies show that continual movement for this amount of time, twice a week, offers optimal results. Consistency is also key, as it helps individuals maintain balance, muscle tone and posture.
In addition to the physical benefits, the class provides potential mental and emotional benefits from increased socialization. Further, activities like dancing are proven to trigger the release of dopamine, which aids in mood improvement.
Those impacted by Parkinson's (and their caretakers) can attend the class for free after paying a $5 enrollment fee. The class is taught by expert dance and drumming instructors Cami Ludlow and Laura Palmer; the duo has over 50 years of dance experience combined. To learn more, visit DanceDElegance.com or text Linda Baddely, the studio's creator of the Parkinson's program, at 330.990.1451. Don't wait — the class size is limited and spots will fill up.
Dance d’Elegance is located at 750 E. Washington St. F1 in Medina. Further, it's co-owned by a name (and face) you've likely seen many times before in our magazine, Andrea Reedy. You likely already know her as the co-owner and president of The Place, as the local business is a longtime partner of Medina County Lifestyle.
Movements of dancing and drumming help to ease rigidity and improve motor skills.