A downtown Des Plaines dance studio this summer became home to an uncommon Parkinson’s disease resource: a dance class created to help those with nervous system disorders.
Arlington Heights resident Marty Maibuecher, age 60, first found a dance class for people with Parkinson’s at the recommendation of a fellow patient at Rush University Medical Center.
He said the class has helped him maintain an active and healthy life despite his Parkinson’s diagnosis seven years ago. “Someone who is faced with adversity…doesn’t have to turn into a ball,” Maibuecher told the Journal & Topics.
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, increasing physical activity to at least 2.5 hours a week can slow the decline in quality of life for people with the disease.
Though he loved the class, located in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago, it was too far from Maibuecher’s home to attend regularly. So, when he discovered there no other classes like it closer to his home, Maibuecher decided to make his own.
He reached out to Natalie Gilberto-Biasi of Move The Beat dance studio, located at 691 Lee St., Des Plaines, to develop a suburban dance program, which eventually became the bi-weekly Waltz With Parkinson’s program. Every other Wednesday, dancers head to the Des Plaines studio to learn the Waltz. A physician’s note is required to attend and drop-ins are welcome. Participants can also bring a partner.
“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,” said media contact Beth Richman. Maibuecher said the class could also be helpful for people suffering with other nervous system disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
To raise awareness of Parkinson’s and fundraise for the Parkinson’s Foundation, Maibuecher’s wife Patti and his friends will join thousands of others beginning at 10:30 a.m. this Saturday (Oct. 6) as part of the RUSH: Young Stiff Shaking It Up team at the Moving Day event, held in the South Lot of Soldier Field in Chicago. Emceed by Patrick Fazio of NBC5 Chicago, the event features a two-mile course, a kids area and We Move Pavilion featuring activities proven to help manage Parkinson’s symptoms.
https://www.journal-topics.com/articles/waltz-with-parkinsons-finds-a-home-in-des-plaines/
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