Dance Therapy for Parkinson’s: Empowering Seniors in India

In Pune, India, a unique dance program is transforming the lives of seniors suffering from Parkinson's disease by promoting movement, joy, and community engagement. This initiative, spearheaded by Hrishikesh Pawar, Artistic Director of the Centre for Contemporary Dance, integrates elements from the internationally recognized Dance for Parkinson’s program, which Pawar adapted for Indian culture and music upon learning about it in London in 2004.

Since its inception in 2008, the program has grown from a single class to over 186 participants in Pune alone, with plans to expand into Mumbai and Chennai. This growth reflects the increasing recognition of the therapeutic benefits that dance offers to individuals with Parkinson's, a progressive neurological disorder that impacts motor skills and cognitive functions.

The classes occur twice a week at the Avartan Dance Foundation and are designed to enhance gait, balance, motor control, and memory—areas significantly affected by Parkinson’s disease. Participants, like 85-year-old Vinayak Danii, express their enthusiasm, stating, “Here, we laugh, move, and feel alive.” The joy of movement is a central theme, as many participants arrive with their family members, gradually discovering newfound confidence and independence as they engage in the dance sessions.

Tanvi Hegade, Community Outreach Head at Avartan, oversees the logistics of the classes, ensuring that each session is personalized to meet the needs of the participants. She notes, “Most of them are elderly and come with the support of their family members. But within weeks, they start smiling, walking with confidence, and showing real improvements.”

From a medical standpoint, the program collaborates with neurologists to monitor progress and ensure that the activities align with therapeutic goals. Dr. Amit Kumar Pande, a senior neurologist at Dhanwantari Hospital in Pune, highlights the distinction of dance therapy from traditional treatments. “Parkinson’s is a cognitive disorder that affects motor movement. Dance is an incredible intervention,” he states. “Unlike traditional therapy, dance is joyful. That increases consistency. People stick with it longer. And through repetition, we support neuroplasticity, which helps preserve motor and cognitive functions.”

Participants like Vilas Bogawat, 65, have experienced remarkable changes, noting, “I can walk better. I feel independent again.” This sentiment underscores the broader implications of the program, which Pawar believes could redefine aging and chronic care in India. He emphasizes that dance not only serves as a form of therapy but also fosters a sense of community, providing a space where dignity and celebration coexist.

Reflecting on the past 15 years, Pawar asserts, “We’ve built something special here. And after 15 years of experience and data, we know movement works. We know it heals.” The initiative represents a significant step towards integrating creative therapies into healthcare, offering hope and empowerment to those affected by Parkinson's disease in India and beyond.