Des Plaines Dance Studio Helps People with Parkinson's through Waltz Class

Waltz is a popular dance for formal occasions, but for a group of people living with Parkinson's disease (PD), it much more than that. It is a way to improve their quality of life.

After taking professional dance lessons with his wife Patti, Marty Maibuecher, 60, of Arlington Heights, approached Natalie Gilberto-Biasi, owner and instructor at Move The Beat in Des Plaines about starting a Waltz class for people living with PD.

Exercise and movement, including dance, have been shown to help manage the symptoms of Parkinson's. In fact, the Parkinson's Foundation has found that increasing physical activity to at least 2.5 hours a week can slow the decline in quality of life for people with PD.

"I was interested in a Tango class for people with PD, but it was geographically inconvenient, so I researched options in the northwest suburbs and found there weren't any nearby dance classes specifically for people living with Parkinson's," said Marty. "After discussing the idea with Natalie, we learned about what would be involved in this type of class and how we could offer it at her studio."

Launched in June of 2019, the bi-weekly Waltz for Parkinson's class is designed for people with Parkinson's and their partners to learn the art of dance while gaining therapeutic relief from common physical and emotional symptoms of the disease.

The Waltz's fluid movement, rhythmical music and varying patterns exercise a dancer's mind, improve posture, can increase muscle range and release dopamine, which reduces rigidity and improves fluidity, coordination and balance.

For Marty, the class brings positivity to a disease that can incite negativity. Diagnosed seven years ago after experiencing a tremor in his left arm, today Marty takes medications to manage his symptoms and maintain a good quality of life. He has always been physically active, working out five times each week, and eaten a healthy diet. Parkinson's may slow him down slightly, but he continues to lead a healthy lifestyle, stays socially active and keeps his mind challenged and sharp.

To raise awareness of PD and fundraise for the Parkinson's Foundation, Marty's wife and friends (he has a work conflict) will join thousands of others at Soldier Field - South Lot for Moving Day Chicago on October 6, 2019. Emceed by Patrick Fazio of NBC5 Chicago, Moving Day will feature a 2-mile walk course, a kids' area and We Move Pavilion featuring activities proven to help manage Parkinson's symptoms. Registration will open at 9 a.m., and the walk will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Patti and friends will walk with the "RUSH: Young Stiff Shaking It Up" team at Moving Day. The team consists of RUSH University's Young Onset support group members and their family and friends, and will include more than 25 people.

For more information about Parkinson's disease, visit www.Parkinson.org