Page 126 - Guerin Media Ltd | Active Retirement Ireland Members Annual 2016
P. 126
SET DANCING SKILLS & HERITAGE
Step into Health
by Maureen Culleton
I was fortunate enough to present set dancing to patients, their carers and family at their an-
nual seminar in Hudson Bay Hotel, Athlone, for the last two years. However there is not yet a
formalised network of set dancing for Parkinson’s in Ireland. This is for the future.
“My sessions are two hours long in total. The first thirty minutes warming up the joints is done
while seated. Then walking to reel and jig music. This is followed by set dancing to music
specially tailored to suit their ability and disability, and helped by family and carers. Then we
break for drinks and fruit and finish with social dances and some group singing.”
Maureen Culleton
“iOpssdhotfeahayxcftnanleshieaeainRdcrenmrcxbecedeaatiddexliTbhoctlcesnseehrebiseeahtptraulnternoiiecranrderrtttoiaienynephdysstslss,dekhgtretptsNpahuorstaimeeofohoeavdnfcrnafaopsn.iaifasjdtldaeorDek.ooruwsdneerudIenyrammtayhseticm,eniobioaT,uocaiemcvlevmnbrgtnseefaneehpgaoe.tsspastei.lsrTrmct,asaaarhoIruuhrrmnntaeovafetrlecoiniraessewdesoetmrsrrgnwdue,nnfmetohtruaPceeshnatvneedhnoaheolgdearcnii,snafarruapltetdtoantlprrbaholweddahrolo.fsneayin sosdncseelieucdscAecae,eRrls”A own right. Set-dancers have noticed improved circulation
and flexibility as well as noticing increases in energy
Set dancing is enjoyed by people of all ages, with people and strength. Dancing can improve balance and posture
as old as 90 dancing with children, and all ages between. as well as improving awareness of the position of the
a climate of growing friendship and enjoyment which, feet which means greater fall prevention. Overall a
almost magically. reduction in stress and tension as well as increased
Members of Portlaoise ARA who enjoy set dancing muscle tone and co-ordination makes Set-dancing a
described the many positive effects of set dancing. wonderful and enjoyable activity.
Set-dancing is a gentle cardio vascular exercise in it’s
According to a study published in the New England Journal
of Medicine in 2004, dance is one of the best activities for
the brain, resulting in a lower risk of dementia.
The role of set-dancing in relieving Parkinson’s
symptoms is being championed by Italian neurologist
and musician Dr Volpe. As well as heading the
Parkinson’s rehabilitation unit at St John of God hospital
in Venice, Dr. Volpe loves traditional melodies and
visit’s Ireland regularly. On a visit to Feakle in Co. Clare
five years ago at a pub set-dancing session, Dr Volpe
noticed a man walk unsteadily into the pub and Volpe
immediately identified him as having Parkinson’s disease.
To Volpe’s astonishment, as the dancing began the same
man moving effortlessly across the floor in perfect
rhythm with the music!
Through set dancing, Dr. Volpe noticed an improvement
in movement, balance, gait and quality of life among
patients. The reel step enables dancers to override the
neurological impediments that usually affect the gait in
126 Active Retirement Ireland www.activeirl.ie
Step into Health
by Maureen Culleton
I was fortunate enough to present set dancing to patients, their carers and family at their an-
nual seminar in Hudson Bay Hotel, Athlone, for the last two years. However there is not yet a
formalised network of set dancing for Parkinson’s in Ireland. This is for the future.
“My sessions are two hours long in total. The first thirty minutes warming up the joints is done
while seated. Then walking to reel and jig music. This is followed by set dancing to music
specially tailored to suit their ability and disability, and helped by family and carers. Then we
break for drinks and fruit and finish with social dances and some group singing.”
Maureen Culleton
“iOpssdhotfeahayxcftnanleshieaeainRdcrenmrcxbecedeaatiddexliTbhoctlcesnseehrebiseeahtptraulnternoiiecranrderrtttoiaienynephdysstslss,dekhgtretptsNpahuorstaimeeofohoeavdnfcrnafaopsn.iaifasjdtldaeorDek.ooruwsdneerudIenyrammtayhseticm,eniobioaT,uocaiemcvlevmnbrgtnseefaneehpgaoe.tsspastei.lsrTrmct,asaaarhoIruuhrrmnntaeovafetrlecoiniraessewdesoetmrsrrgnwdue,nnfmetohtruaPceeshnatvneedhnoaheolgdearcnii,snafarruapltetdtoantlprrbaholweddahrolo.fsneayin sosdncseelieucdscAecae,eRrls”A own right. Set-dancers have noticed improved circulation
and flexibility as well as noticing increases in energy
Set dancing is enjoyed by people of all ages, with people and strength. Dancing can improve balance and posture
as old as 90 dancing with children, and all ages between. as well as improving awareness of the position of the
a climate of growing friendship and enjoyment which, feet which means greater fall prevention. Overall a
almost magically. reduction in stress and tension as well as increased
Members of Portlaoise ARA who enjoy set dancing muscle tone and co-ordination makes Set-dancing a
described the many positive effects of set dancing. wonderful and enjoyable activity.
Set-dancing is a gentle cardio vascular exercise in it’s
According to a study published in the New England Journal
of Medicine in 2004, dance is one of the best activities for
the brain, resulting in a lower risk of dementia.
The role of set-dancing in relieving Parkinson’s
symptoms is being championed by Italian neurologist
and musician Dr Volpe. As well as heading the
Parkinson’s rehabilitation unit at St John of God hospital
in Venice, Dr. Volpe loves traditional melodies and
visit’s Ireland regularly. On a visit to Feakle in Co. Clare
five years ago at a pub set-dancing session, Dr Volpe
noticed a man walk unsteadily into the pub and Volpe
immediately identified him as having Parkinson’s disease.
To Volpe’s astonishment, as the dancing began the same
man moving effortlessly across the floor in perfect
rhythm with the music!
Through set dancing, Dr. Volpe noticed an improvement
in movement, balance, gait and quality of life among
patients. The reel step enables dancers to override the
neurological impediments that usually affect the gait in
126 Active Retirement Ireland www.activeirl.ie
