Nia Dance for Parkinson's | St John's Methodist

🧠 💃 Freedom Dance Nia class specially designed for people with Parkinson's and their caregivers. This well-established programme has been running for 7 years in Hamilton, offering both in-person sessions at St John's Methodist Hall and online participation via Zoom.

Led by Belinda Goodwin, a certified Parkinson's Dance teacher and Nia Technique Black Belt, this class combines movement and music to help recalibrate motor skills while creating a supportive social environment.

Class Details:

• Suitable for those with limited mobility or reasonable mobility
• Both seated and standing dance options available
• Volunteer support persons available during class
• Fee: $10 for participants with Parkinson's, $5 for caregivers
• Wheelchair and walker accessible with side door entry
• Free off-street parking available

When & Where: Every Friday at 11:45am at St John's Hall, 20 Wellington Street, Hamilton East

Contact: Belinda Goodwin at 027 540 7422 or niawithbelinda@gmail.com

What to wear: Comfortable clothing for movement. Bare feet, grippy socks or flat shoes recommended.

Benefits of Dance Therapy for Parkinson's Disease 🌟

Dance therapy offers significant benefits for people living with Parkinson's disease. Through rhythmic movement and music, participants often experience improvements in balance, coordination, and mobility—all areas commonly affected by Parkinson's.

Nia Dance specifically combines elements of dance, martial arts, and mindfulness to create accessible movement experiences that can be adapted to various mobility levels. The choreographed sequences help with:

• Improving flexibility and range of motion
• Enhancing cognitive function through learning patterns
• Reducing stiffness and tremors
• Building confidence in movement capabilities
• Creating important social connections

The supportive group environment of this class provides both physical benefits and emotional wellbeing. Many participants find that regular attendance helps reduce feelings of isolation that can accompany Parkinson's disease.

The class structure incorporates movements that specifically target symptoms of Parkinson's while maintaining a joyful, expressive atmosphere. Caregivers who participate not only provide support but often experience their own wellness benefits from the physical activity and community connection.