About this class…

Founded in June 2015 as “Dance! WITH Parkinson’s”, this independently run dance class is now called “Chair-based Contemporary Dance”, and is open to any adult interested in undertaking a modified dance class.

Designed to accommodate the needs of people with varying levels of mobility and balance (including those with Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders), and those who are de-conditioned or fatigue easily, the general class format is to commence seated in chairs and progress to standing behind the chairs (for balance support, if required), and then to a traveling exercise. However all exercises can be modified. For example, a standing/traveling exercise can be performed seated.

Movement sequences drawing on a variety of dance styles (including classical ballet, contemporary dance, jazz ballet and spanish flamenco), are choreographed to music chosen from genres such as jazz, classical, contemporary and 50’s/60’s/70’s tunes. Each dance exercise is retained for several weeks.

No previous dance experience is required – the goal is fun! Partners/carers are welcome to participate too!

“I come to class because I enjoy the challenge of learning the different dances…I also find the music uplifting.  It’s a fun morning, and very beneficial for the muscle stiffness…”

“I love the music, and have always felt the need to dance to the music. It beats gym classes hands down…Dance exercises the brain as well as the body!”

“The atmosphere is so friendly. Everyone fits in.”

“It’s the first Parkinson’s activity that (my husband) has stuck at. It has provided him with access to others with Parkinson’s in a welcoming, accepting and accommodating environment and he is actually doing something that’s good for him not only physically but socially and emotionally.”

–    Feedback, Contemporary Dance…For Seniors dancers, 2017.

See some examples of our dance class here and here

CLASS DETAILS…

Fridays, 10:15am – 11:15am

Main Hall, Clarence Park Community Centre, 72-74 East Ave, Black Forest, SA, 5035

$15/person (cash only)

            2026 DATES

            Block 1:   30th Jan – 10th Apr         

            Block 2:   1st May – 26th Jun

            Block 3:    24th Jul – 25th Sept

            Block 4:    16th Oct – 11th Dec

Other South Australian chair-based dance class information can be found here.

Visit the SA Chair-based Dance Facebook page here.