In this video, Dr. Aline Haas discusses her project on dance for those with Parkinson’s disease to improve quality of life. Based in Brazil, Aline and her team work with Samba and Forró dance rhythms. During the global pandemic, her team adapted to delivering the dance material through WhatsApp, Facebook and Youtube. Pain is also a challenge for people with Parkinson’s and Aline notes how dancing online together supported a reduction in pain, even if it did not replace in person contact.
An audio only version is available here
Aline Haas is an Associate Professor in Dance at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil. She has a BSc(Hons) in Physical Education and a PhD in Sports Science. She leads the ‘Research Group in Arts, Body and Education’ at UFRGS. Her research focuses on dance science and dance in health, including working with people with Parkinson’s, stroke patients and older people – who often experience pain. She has been delivering dance workshops online with people living with Parkinson’s during the pandemic. Contact: @DrAlineHaas Dance E Parkinson Facebook
