More than 30 people turned out for the first social dance of the Parkinson’s Prancers, held Friday night at the Eisenhower Recreation Center. The dances, exclusively for Villagers with Parkinson’s disease and their partners, will continue to happen twice a month.
The idea for this event started several months ago when Jim Cannella stopped and watched Dieter Wuennenberg teaching one of his social dance classes. Wuennenberg hosts five different social dance groups on Saturday nights. The two started talking about doing a dance for those with PD like Cannella himself. After Cannella returned to The Villages this fall, the planning for this dance started in earnest. In the meantime Wuennenberg had been reading about the correlation of dancing and those with PD and thought it was a really good idea.
“This is something that most of the folks did together at one time, but are no longer, because there is no outlet for it, said Wuennenberg. “That is about to change.”
A fluke hiccup in Wuennenberg’s regular dance schedule led to an opening to try a dance for the Parkinson’s Prancers. When the first song played, a Patsy Cline tune, all those in attendance got up and danced.
“First time in all my dances that that has happened,” said Wuennenberg.
In welcoming the crowd, Wuennenberg said, “This is Jim’s dream and we are making it happen.” He also added that he welcomed feedback from the group as they are getting started. “We’ll find out together what works.”
Village of Chatham residents Patrick and Janet Kurtz came to see what it was all about. Patrick has PD and knows how important exercise is for him.
“This is a fun way to get some exercise,” he said.
As a caregiver Janet felt it was a little reprieve from home care. You are still together; it is just more enjoyable.”
Cannella was pleased with the turn out for the first dance and was definitely getting feedback to keep it going.
“I didn’t want another support group, but for it to be something you can do together as husband and wife,” he said.
“I admire the folks coming out to the first one, I know this takes people out of their comfort zone,” said Wuennenberg. “I think it is a really good thing and I am committed to do whatever I can to help it continue.”
No prior knowledge of dancing is required. Some dance steps will be taught so that everyone will have a good time. This evening is intended to provide a relaxed and fun atmosphere for those with PD and their partners.
To get more information about the date and location of future dances, contact Wuennenberg directly at (352) 603-4133 or at thevillagedancer@aol.com .
Music will be provided by DieterDance.com and admission is free. This is a BYOB dance; Dieter Dance will provide coffee, bottled water, and ice tea.
