Out and proud horizontal ellipsis . in all your shaking glory the wellbeing impact of a dance program with public dance performance for people with Parkinson's disease: a qualitative study

Purpose To explore if and how Parkinson's disease dance class participation and public performance contributes to perceptions of wellbeing. Materials and Methods A qualitative design using audio-recorded one-on-one semi-structured interviews with five class participants and three teachers/volunteers from two metropolitan Dance for Wellbeing class locations. Data were inductively thematically analysed by three researchers. Results Five themes illustrated the experience of dance class and performance for people with Parkinson's Disease: 1) 'the enabling learning environment'; 2) 'physical benefits from class participation; 3) 'mental/psychological benefits from class participation'; 4) 'social benefits from class participation; 5) 'sense of self and life engagement from class participation'. Themes 4 and 5 in particular were considered to be 'magnified by public performance', providing an opportunity for solidarity within the group and a supportive avenue for coming out and living publicly with the PD diagnosis. Conclusion Dance performance magnifies health and wellbeing experiences of people with Parkinson's disease when part of an enabling, inclusive and emotionally and physically safe learning dance class environment. Elements of holistic benefits, as well as the fun and playful nature of the experience may be important elements to consider for motivation, recruitment and retention in this population.

Automated summary

This study investigates the impact of Parkinson's disease dance class participation and public performance on the wellbeing perceptions of individuals with the disease. Through interviews with participants and teachers/volunteers, it was found that dance classes and performances have positive effects on the physical, psychological, social, and self-perception of Parkinson's disease patients. Public performances particularly enhance social solidarity and acceptance of the disease. The study suggests that creating an inclusive and emotionally and physically safe learning environment is crucial for promoting the health and wellbeing of individuals with Parkinson's disease.