ASU School of Dance provides community classes to those affected with Parkinson’s disease

Who
The ASU School of Dance in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts

What
The community is invited to participate in two dance-movement classes for Parkinson’s patients beginning Wednesdays Jan. 12 through April 27, 2011 at ASU SkySong in Scottsdale, Ariz. Claudia Murphey is an ASU School of Dance professor who leads the classes, which are designed for Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers.

Murphey created the Movement and Motion™ program, which explores a wide-range of physical experiences that take place seated in chairs, standing, moving, and stretching against a wall. The movements build strength, increase stability, expand range of motion, and improve Parkinson’s patients’ posture, while inspiring confidence and self-assurance.Movement and Motion™ has been offered since spring 2009 at ASU SkySong.

“Class participants have showed enormous progression after each 10-week session and have responded unanimously that the course improved their range of motion, gait, stability and their self-confidence,” Murphey says.

The Latin Salsa/Big Band class explores great dance rhythms like the Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Tango, Swing, and Waltz. Designed for both Parkinson’s patients and their partners, Latin Salsa/Big Band is a fabulous way to learn the latest social dances during a fun-filled class.

For more information about the Parkinson’s dance classes and to see a video featuring Murphey, please visit:http://dance.asu.edu/research/parkinsons_project.php 

Where
Classroom locations are posted in the kiosk next to the elevator in the SkySong 1 building:http://www.skysongcenter.com/skysong1.html. ASU SkySong is located at 1475 N. Scottsdale Rd. View a map and get directions at: http://skysong.asu.edu/events/maps

When
Both classes are held on Wednesdays starting Jan. 12 through April 27, 2011.
9:30–10:30 a.m.; Movement and Motion™
10:30–11:30 a.m.; Latin Salsa/Big Band 

Cost
The Movement and Motion™ classes are free. 
The Latin Salsa/Big Band classes are $5 per session. For registration information, please visit:http://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=904790 

Public Contact
Claudia Murphey 
ASU School of Dance professor
480.965.5029
claudia.murphey@asu.edu

The School of Theatre and Film in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University provides a comprehensive range of courses in performance and directing; design and production; new work development; theatre and performance studies; film; and theatre for youth. Its Theatre for Youth program is nationally ranked in the top three and the dramatic writing/playwriting program is ranked 15th among public institutions by U.S.News & World Report. To learn more about the School of Theatre and Film, visit theatrefilm.asu.edu.

Media Contact:
Sunny Kuo
ASU School of Dance
480.965.1208
Sunny.Kuo@asu.edu