Dance class helping patients with Parkinson's

MARQUETTE — Lake Superior Hospice and the Dance Zone of Marquette are joining forces to help people who are dealing with Parkinson’s disease.

For the next six weeks, Dance Zone is offering classes that are specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s, called ‘Dance for PD.’ Research has shown that dancing can have positive effects for individuals who suffer from the disease– including an increase in dopamine levels and improvement of balance.

The owner of Dance Zone, Marge Sklar, is offering the class free of charge.

“I’m glad to be part of this. It should be fun, it should be approachable,” said Sklar. “We’re doing to be doing a little tap dance, sitting up and some standing at the bar. We’re going to be doing a little ballroom and we’re going to be doing a lot of stretching,” Sklar added about the class sessions.

“The folks who started this class in New York City have been at the forefront of this research,” said Ruth Almen of Lake Superior Hospice. “It indicates again that it improves people’s gait, which is a big issue for folks with Parkinson’s who try and avoid falls. It also improves their ability, their overall sense of well being and decrease the amount of tremors they have.”

Classes will be held on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. and Fridays at 4:00 p.m. on Lincoln Street, right next to Marquette Senior High School. You do not have to attend every class.