Pasadena is home to the Lineage Performing Arts Center, a refuge for people with Parkinson’s disease. Lineage offers a variety of outreach classes where members can train to regain control of their body while learning to dance. Their free class, Dancing with Parkinson’s, is one of the few programs that blurs the line between art and physical therapy, and people of all ages are welcome. Every year, Lineage hosts a dance show where members get to show off their skills.

Even though Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that causes uncontrollable tremors, pain, rigidity, and problems with stability, depression is not uncommon. Students of the class insist it improves their lives. 48-year-old Trish Low has had intense pain ever since undergoing an invasive surgery in which a pacemaker that generates electrical impulses was implanted in her brain. She sought the class to “find some joy” and ended up with friends and increased self-confidence. “To know that I can still shake my booty a little bit, it’s good for my soul.” It has become not only a movement for health and physical fitness, but also for well-being, personal fulfillment, and a meaningful aesthetic experience.

Over two years ago, the company was already performing benefit concerts for medical nonprofits across the country, but in 2009 when dance instructor Michelle Kolb saw footage in a documentary about a dance class from the Mark Morris Dance Group (MMDG), she was inspired to bring David Leventhal, program manager of MMDG’s Dance for PD program, to Pasadena for a training workshop. To this day, they now have more than 1,500 students and a lively community.

At the end of the day, dancers and people with Parkinson’s disease have a lot in common. Professionally-trained dancers are experts in strength, balance, and rhythm. They know about the power of dance as a force of meditation on movement, mind, and body. Dance for PD began as a support group and grew into a catalyst in creating other Parkinson’s communities where participants can explore well-being through singing, yoga, and various performance arts. "Although participants from all over the world tell us they find elements of the class therapeutic, the primary goal of our program is for people to enjoy dance for dancing’s sake in a group setting—and to explore the range of physical, artistic and creative possibilities that are still very much open to them,” says Leventhal.

You can take the Lineage Dancing with Parkinson’s class for free at the Lineage Performing Arts Center on Wednesdays at 2:00 pm. They also offer Dancing through Cancer and Dancing with Down Syndrome. Visit LineageDance.org for more information.

Neurologists and movement disorder specialists in Los Angeles will be providing free Parkinson’s presentations and workshops at this one of a kind event. Join us for fair exhibitors, speakers, and demonstrations related to symptoms and treatment options, nutrition and exercise, and more. Food, refreshments and door prizes will be available. Join us, celebrity host Michael Gross, and Mayor Richard J. Ward for this special event!

Download PDF flyer for additional details.

Yonemoto Physical Therapy, located in Alhambra, is now offering several qigong classes in April 2012. Here is their press release for their upcoming classes:

Want to get more energy, feel revitalized, have less stress, rid yourself of aches and pains with gentle, no impact movements? Then come take a qigong class with us. There will be three new qigong classes starting up in April. The classes will be held in YPT’s gym located at 25 S. Raymond Ave. Suite 100, Alhambra CA, 91801. For more information or to sign up please call us at (626) 576–0591.

Level 1 starts April 16th from 7PM to 8:30PM. It goes for 7 sessions. The first session is free.

Level 2 starts April 21st from 11AM to 12:30PM. Price per class is $30.

Level 3 starts April 21st from 9AM to 10:30AM. Price per class is $30.

What is Qigong?

Qigong — pronounced “kee kung” — teaches you how to focus your breath, movement, and awareness for when you’re exercising, meditating, or another healing act. It translates roughly to “life force practice” or “life force mastery.” Qigong’s root lies in the martial arts, Chinese medicine, and Chinese philosophy. Many are familiar with the concept of “Qi” or “intrinsic life energy” and how it is used in acupuncture. Qigong applies this concept to achieve a more productive exercise and meditation routine.

Learn about neurological movement disorders and meet with Southern California Movement Disorder Specialist staff.

Topic of this support group:

Requip and Mirapex belong in medication class known as Dopamine Agonists. What are Dopamine Agonists, and how do they work to slow down the progression of Parkinson's? What are the common side effects? What are the benefits? Please join us for an in-depth discussion on how these medications may be beneficial to treat Parkinson's disease!  

More information on the South Pasadena Parkinson's Support Group:

If you have any questions, please get in touch with SoCal MDS or Ryan Nguyen of Neurosearch.

Come join us for the 1st Annual Parkinson’s Disease Screening Event and Symposium! Watch and listen to some of the top experts in their fields discuss important issues concerning Parkinson’s Disease, including lectures on sleep, exercise, diagnosis, treatment, and caregiving. It will be aired on Pasadena’s public television (channel 32) as well as online via The Arroyo Channel by clicking the green button.

Along with a screening by a licensed physical therapist to assess ones vestibular system and dynamic balance, there will be foot analysis and computerized posturography analysis for each person to take to their MD for further evaluation and diagnostic assistance. This is not covered by insurance and only cash or credit card is accepted.

More information

Call 626-593-2283 To Reserve your Space Today!

Location: 1030 South Arroyo Parkway, Suite #109, Pasadena, CA 91105

More information at ArroyoPT.com.

Learn about neurological movement disorders and meet with Southern California Movement Disorder Specialist staff.

Topic of this support group:

Ghosts of PD: Past, Present, and Future. Parkinson’s disease treatment options have drastically improved over the past few decades. Before Sinemet (Carbodopa/Levodopa) was available, the life expectancy after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s was a maximum 5 years. Today, the disease has a multitude of treatment options available. But the fight for the cure is still not over! The future of Parkinson’s disease treatments begins with research opportunities and treatment advancements!        

Do you have any questions about the support group meeting?  Please feel free to call or email Ryan Nguyen (contact information below). You can also register for attendance using the link below. Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to seeing you at the support group meeting. Happy holidays!

More information on the Pasadena Parkinson’s Support Group:

If you have any questions, please get in touch with SoCal MDS or Ryan Nguyen of Neurosearch.