‘Parky goes Techno!’: developing the possibilities and probabilities – Parkinson’s, music and the dance

ABSTRACT

The unique feature of our journey is the real-life 24-7 experiences of Parkinson’s, rather than the snapshot of what is the focus of some research. The story captures achievements and differences which can be made to people’s lives. Our now new friends. (N=10) who live with and without Parkinson’s join virtually to become involved in the dance and physical activity sessions. The findings highlight the feeling of wellbeing, a strengthening of the body which in turn facilitates balance, coordination, stability, endurance, flexibility, mobility and so on, above all, the fun of joining in. The journey has evolved with communications to representatives (N=20) of several All Party Parliamentary Groups (N=9) and two specific organisations. The increasing number of participants with and without Parkinson’s who wish to join our small group collaborations is especially reassuring. The challenge now is to revisit the communicative opportunities with a view to raising the profile of Parkinson’s. The alignment of a cross-collaborative All Party Parliamentary Group to review a proposal for further development and training of specifically qualified practitioners would be especially powerful. If the alternative therapies were then adopted by the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) it could potentially save millions of pounds.

Keywords:

• Parkinson’s
• dance
• music
• physical activity
• technology

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Diane Connell

Diane Connell completed her Physical Education BEd Honours Degree at Worcester College of Higher Education in 1986. Diane was then appointed as Head of Physical Education at Morris Silman Middle School, Leeds, and later to Victoria Middle School, Leeds as Head of Physical Education. Following an horrific road traffic accident Diane retired from teaching to become an unpaid volunteer at John Jamieson Special School. Diane was then appointed as a Special Needs Assistant working with all young people to later become the Data and Examinations Officer. Diane now has good days and better days in her retirement and continues to develop movement possibilities in her relationship with Parkinson’s.

John Connell

John Connell completed his Dance BEd Honours Degree at Worcester College of Higher Education in 1986. John was Head of Dance and Second in Charge of Performing Arts at the then prestigious Intake High School in Leeds for 18 years. Whilst working in school John attained his Master’s Degree in Education and then his PhD researching the practice of Dance teaching in schools. He led the Dance PGCE and was the Professional Studies Coordinator at Middlesex University prior to his appointment to the University of Birmingham and then Leeds Beckett University. John, in his retirement, continues to develop movement possibilities for young people as well as possessing a particular interest in supporting his wife and those with and without Parkinson’s.