Why should people with neurological challenges dance?
Dancing is an extremely versatile activity. It combines physical, cognitive, creative, and social aspects. Dance groups for people with Parkinson’s have existed since 2001; starting from a New York group, the idea has now spread across all continents. Since 2019, based on a Scottish program, dance groups for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have also emerged. Connect is the first such project in Switzerland.
Is Connect dance therapy?
No. Participants are addressed as dancers, not patients. However, all instructors leading the trainings have expertise in the special challenges of these sessions.
What effects does dancing have on people with Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s causes various symptoms due to a dopamine deficiency: for example, difficulty initiating and smoothly continuing movements, or balance problems. Other symptoms include slowness, trembling, and freezing (when one wants to move but cannot). More than 2,000 studies have shown that physical activity can slow the progression of the disease. This is especially important because, to date, no medication or surgical procedure can do this. Dancing is considered particularly effective because it combines various aspects (including balance, coordination, smooth movement sequences, and social interaction); music acts as an external metronome, replacing the loss of an internal one, which can especially help with freezing problems.
What effects does dancing have on people with MS?
Multiple sclerosis is a disease with very diverse symptoms and courses. It can cause balance disorders, paralysis, and sensory disturbances. The disease usually progresses in episodes; symptoms may disappear, but the health condition can also worsen continuously. There are now medications and therapies that can effectively prevent relapses. However, chronic inflammation can cause progressive disability. Dancing is also considered helpful for this disease, with neuroprotective or even neuroregenerative effects. Dancing can also improve symptoms like fatigue or concentration difficulties, which some people with MS experience.
Can such results be proven?
Yes. Studies have shown that dancing seems better for the brain than regular exercise. Imaging techniques have demonstrated changes in cortical structure, and blood markers also indicate such changes.
What effects does dancing have beyond physical results?
Dancing brings joy – even small children naturally move to every rhythm. Dancing can also improve mood, strengthen self-esteem, and enhance overall quality of life for people with neurological challenges. Besides dancing itself, social contacts during the dance trainings also help. Moreover, unlike pharmacological treatments, dancing has no side effects.
What makes Connect special?
There are three key aspects: First, some dance sessions are accompanied by musicians from the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich. Second, participants are invited to attend rehearsals at the Opernhaus Zürich and the Tonhalle Zürich, gaining insight into these cultural institutions. Third, the project includes further training opportunities for musicians and dancers, hoping to encourage more such events in Switzerland in the future.
Are the trainings exclusively for patients with Parkinson’s and MS?
Basically, yes. However, the registration form allows other neurological diagnoses to be noted. In these cases, we will assess whether participation in this program is appropriate.
How are participants selected?
On the one hand, registration order matters; on the other, group composition is balanced. Those who do not get a place are placed on a waiting list.
What physical requirements must be met?
There are no physical requirements; dance trainings can also be attended in a wheelchair or with a walker, and dancing can be done standing or sitting. It is important that participants are aware of their limits (risk of falling) and communicate their needs with instructors and assistants.
Are there disabled parking spaces at the Tonhalle?
Yes.
How should participants dress for the trainings?
As comfortably as possible.
What exactly happens during a Connect training?
The Vereinsaal opens half an hour before the start; coffee and cake are available for early arrivals. The actual training lasts one hour. Afterwards, participants can relax with a coffee.
How often should one train for it to be effective?
Studies have shown that two one-hour sessions per week would be ideal. For organizational reasons, Connect can only take place once a week.
Can companions attend the trainings?
To provide a protected space for participants, companions generally cannot watch.
Are the results of Connect evaluated?
No formal scientific evaluation is planned; however, the project is advised by doctors from the University Hospital Zurich. At the end of each season, participants are surveyed for feedback.
How is insurance organized for Connect?
Insurance is the responsibility of the participants.
What are the costs of the dance classes?
The season (October to mid-July) is divided into three blocks. The regular price per block is CHF 250 (for 11–14 dance sessions), with a reduced price of CHF 180 for low-income participants. People who wish to support the project financially can also make donations. Besides the weekly dance sessions, attendance at rehearsals of the Ballett Zürich and the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, as well as a visit to an art workshop at the Kunsthaus Zürich, are included.
