Research from the University of Calgary, a top ranking 'young' Canadian institution, has shown the profound influence dance has on those with Parkinson disease. In dance we think, we move, we are emotionally and physically connected to the music we hear. We utilize the whole body/brain in this coupling of music and movement. Dance is now being studied as a treatment option for those with a debilitating disease. Theory or solution?
Music's benefits have been proven, time and time again. It has given us something called the 'singing pacifier' to help preemies develop the sucking reflex as they listen to mom's lullabies. Then we have family song favourites being modified into lullabies, songs for easy listening for baby. ... We also have 'music therapy', helping to reduce the stress and the pain that preemies suffer during their long-term stay in the incubator trying to regain health. From there we have a program called 'music memory' that assists dementia patients' recall their personal past. ...(Momsey is not surprised.) Thirty-five years ago, a music box was placed in our severely premature baby's 'home' to help calm him as he endured the intrusion of various medical procedures during the first two months of life in the incubator.) ... What more has to be said or written about music and its powerful effect on our overall health and lives?? It is an incredible tool for life, as well as incredible educational partner for learning challenged children.
Today's society is well connected through technology. The very tools that connect us can also isolate and alienate us, too. .. In our own family, music formed a large part of our sons' early years.The trumpet, clarinet, baritone, keyboard and French-Horn were important parts of their musical training/careers beginning in grade 4 until the end of high school. (Dad has grade ten piano; the Momsey, simple background of high school vocal music, choir and musical productions.) ... (Lucy, my editor, has incredible musical expertise that spans decades.) Music calms, energizes, brings joy and builds memory. It's society's glue! ... Music and dance's burgeoning societal impact became apparent to me in my grade 8 gym class. Coed square dancing was introduced then and soon became my passion that year; its grip on me, spellbinding. Following directions to music while creating this dance circle was cool. It was socialization, at its best, a meet and greet, a way to build confidence and self-esteem. It connected real people in a real world 'musical' scenario.
Dance gives meaning to beat and
rhythm, while unleashing the human potential that lies beneath us in
this blanket of 'structured' noise. As we move, we innocently
improve co-ordination, balance and confidence. ... Done with other
people, dance moves to a higher plateau, requiring trust, courage,
concentration, thinking and memory. It helps to build vocabulary, as
well... With special needs children, dance can be the curriculum, a
first step to opening the door to their learning potential and goals.
... Dance lays bear the raw intelligence that resides within the
vulnerable child but is unable to surface. ... As the University of
Calgary's premise states: dance is about intellectual, emotional and
physical health. ... Its effect on the mind and body is now being
researched and documented. ... Music and dance can be education's
dynamic partners, everyday and from the beginning. With these musical tools, we step outside our
lives, for one brief moment and realize our capacity to grow. Music's
link to learning and health can no longer be ignored, as startling research is
now beginning to show.
The University of Calgary has given all
of us something to ponder. ...Has dance's strong link in the
treatment of serious medical disorders opened up the doors for its
advantages to be seriously considered in the learning lives of young
at-risk children? ... The risk of failure is always uppermost in the
minds of these special children, who, at times, are fearful, shy and
timid. With dance and music at their side, deep learning begins its magical journey. ... Dance can be this marvelous tool just as it is for people
with Parkinson's disease. ..Let us open the door and let the music
in. Would you like to dance? ... (I think the Momsey must find the
courage to create a You Tube video about special children and dance.
But she is an old lady, after all, and must remember that!!)
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