A healthy person experiences life through a multitude of layers.

When dementia has been diagnosed, deterioration in the cognitive layer is usually accompanied by deterioration in the individual's physical, emotional and mental functioning, effectively blurring perception and limiting the patient's range of activities. 

Research points to the fact that cognition and physical skills which appear early in human development, such as movement and appreciation of music, are among the last to be destroyed in the dementia process.  Experience has shown that by means of treatment aimed at preserving and nurturing these early skills, it is possible to slow down the progression of dementia and to improve the quality of life for those affected by it.  It has been found that activities combining music and dance help dementia patients express themselves, maintaining an open channel for communication with others.  These activities also help us see into their world with greater clarity, a world which gradually closes in on itself as the disease progresses.

 

The activities offered in the studio benefit many different areas of functioning which are damaged during the progress of dementia.  Members report that the studio brings a sense of light and freedom into the routines of families and individuals handling this disease.

 

Dance impacts on the physical level, offering participants gentle, purposeful physical activity.  Through dance lessons, members work through all the body's muscles and joints, which helps preserve their range of movement.

 

On the cognitive level, studies indicate that optimal cognitive activity occurs when combined with movement.  Dance, in its blending of cognition and movement, offers an excellent practice for the mind, as well as the body.

 

On the emotional level, as dementia patients deteriorate, a sense of strangeness and alienation from the here and now begins to set in.  Partner dance with a teacher brings sensations of warmth and closeness, considerate touch, rhythm and music, movement and humor, a sense of personal charisma and ability to lead alongside the joy of creativity.  These help preserve vitality and vibrancy, and push away the depressive feelings which accompany later stages as dementia progresses.  This and more as the dance floor is a forgiving place, allowing for confusion and mistakes as part of the movement itself.  As such the dance studio instills an important and reassuring message for those experiencing such moments of confusion which often may undermine confidence.

 

On the social level, dance invites friendship and freedom through dance movement, in direct contrast with the social and physical closing down which accompanies dementia.  Partner dance, which is in itself a form of dialogue, helps to preserve the ability to communicate with others.  The studio offers and enables family and close friends of studio members to take part in the sessions (at no extra cost) and to be actively involved in this form of communication.  In later stages of the disease, when language and words can no longer be used to communicate, dance provides an alternative channel for expression and communication.