“Golden Swan” and “Dance for Parkinson’s” are perennial favorites.
Oklahoma City Ballet is known for great performances by artists from around the world, but it’s also an outlet for seniors looking to give their feet and legs a boost or help them stay healthy.
In 2016, the company launched the Golden Swans program, which provides free ballet dance lessons to senior citizens in the city. A year later, the company offered Dance for Parkinson’s Disease, which offers lessons to people diagnosed with the disease, said Jo Lynn Jones, the ballet’s executive director.
Jones told “GMA3” that the health benefits of dance lessons are significant and that instructors fine-tune classes to meet students’ needs to ensure students are comfortable and enjoy the exercise. For example, in the “Dance for Parkinson’s” class, students sit in chairs and perform the moves together.
“So, first of all, they feel reassured that it will help them become more sociable,” she says. “They’re here with their friends and people they know, and they’re working out.”
Those who took part in the program said they were enjoying their newfound dance community.
Nancy Brawler enrolled in the Golden Swans program in 2017, when she turned 80, because she wanted to do something different for her brain.
“But personally, it helped me build strength, balance and focus,” she said.
Another contestant, Robin Martin, told “GMA3” that she used to dance when she was younger, but had to stop after hurting her knee. The program gave her a second chance to regain her love of art, she said.
“I think the best thing about this class is that it doesn’t matter if you’ve danced before or never danced at all. This class is designed with everyone in mind. ,” Martin said.
Participants in the “Dance for Parkinson’s Disease” program told “GMA3” that they feel a big difference in their health when they dance.
Randy Keller said he feels better every time he leaves the classroom.
“I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, and what I learned is that the best way to manage Parkinson’s disease is to participate in lots of activities,” he said.
Jones said the ballet company offers two programs around the city and welcomes other interested participants.
“Our mission and core values are community. They are at the heart of everything we do,” she said.