1. The meaning and impact on well-being of bespoke dancing sessions for those living with Parkinson's.
- Author
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Norton, Elizabeth, Hemingway, Ann, and Ellis Hill, Caroline
- Subjects
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WELL-being , *RESEARCH , *DANCE therapy , *HAPPINESS , *AFFECT (Psychology) , *RESEARCH methodology , *ATTITUDE (Psychology) , *INTERVIEWING , *AEROBIC dancing , *QUALITATIVE research , *LIFE , *PARKINSON'S disease , *SEXUAL orientation identity , *RESEARCH funding , *THEMATIC analysis , *PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation , *SOCIAL integration - Abstract
Purpose: This paper presents qualitative research findings from the evaluation of a Parkinson's Dance well-being venture in the UK. Methods: Qualitative data was gathered to see how bespoke dancing sessions helped people with Parkinson's (PwP) to manage their conditions and improve their lives and prospects. Principles of a participatory approach were incorporated and methods included semi-structured interviewing, researchers participant observation and an elicitation-based activity. Nineteen PwP, six carers, four dance artists and seven helpers participated in the study. Results: Participating in Parkinson's Dance sessions meant that PwP could experience the possibilities to dance, develop a "can do" attitude, experience fun, enjoyment, social connection, exercise, movement to music, improvement and/or maintenance of their balance, suppleness, coordination and confidence with movement, symptoms being pushed back and ability to learn new things. Conclusions: Our findings add to the evidence-base about the benefits of dance for people experiencing Parkinson's and through novel application of the Life-world based well-being framework of K. T. Galvin and Todres (2011) we propose a theoretical basis for Parkinson's Dance as a resource for well-being. There is scope to consider application of the well-being framework to other arts activities and as the basis of an arts and well-being evaluation tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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