I would like to tell you about something new for us in one of my favorite arts disciplines – dance. We were very fortunate to receive a grant from a private donor a few months ago to bring a specialized dance program to patients at the local Parkinson Association.
The program was developed several years ago by the Mark Morris Dance Group in New York City in conjunction with their local Parkinson Association. Due to its popularity, this dance program has spread nationwide to many local associations. It involves a specialized regimen of dance movements and stretching, set to live piano music. The goals of the program are to improve flexibility and increase range of motion, enabling patients to enjoy a more rewarding life.
One of our contract dance instructors in our after-school dance program trained with Mark Morris several years ago. She encouraged us to find a way to bring the program to Naples.
It has been operating for six weeks, and now 20 patients – men and women of all ages – attend weekly classes. The classes are free of charge to the patients. The current grant will enable us to fund the program for another four months by covering teaching fees for the dance teacher and a piano accompanist.
Feedback from the leadership at the Parkinson Association has been very positive. The patients love it, and attendance at the sessions increases every week. One patient, who was the first person to enroll, had participated in this program in Chicago. She is a seasonal resident who indicates, “I was really disappointed when I heard that dance was not available at the Parkinson Association in Naples. Now I am thrilled to be a part of this new program. I love being able to dance again, and I feel a lot better.”
This is just one of many programs and services that the United Arts Council provides to the community. We are proud of the fact that, through the arts, we make a difference every day in the lives of so many people in Collier County!
