Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder. It affects nerve cells in the brain. It is a progressive, irreversible chronic disease, which worsens over time. At present there is no cure for it or any standard treatment protocol. Medication and therapy are used to treat symptoms, which could vary from person to person and include tremors, slowness of movement, postural instability and muscular rigidity.
Dubai-based Vonita Singh is trying to fight it in a unique way — through her passion for dance.
“I lost my Dad to Parkinson’s. When he had it we didn’t know about the disease or its progression or how important movement is for these patients — it’s an integral part of their medication to be moving mindfully, consciously,” says the homemaker and mother of two.
April 11 is marked as World Parkinson’s Day and Singh believes spreading awareness is crucial as most people are in complete denial when they get diagnosed. Awareness also helps family members and caregivers understand what they can do to help their loved ones.
“I feel by sharing my experiences, of what as a caregiver I have gone through, immensely helps a person because I am not scaring them but preparing them to belt up and be ready because it’s a progressive, irreversible disease. So it’s important to embrace it and fight it.”
In October 2013, Singh started Movement Mantra to help ease the challenges of everyday life for those battling with the condition.
“I am not a therapist. I am a dancer and I thought of doing movements with them through dance and focusing on breathing. Instead of doing plain exercises or a physiotherapy session — rotating hands or moving shoulders and neck — I thought about choreographing these movements into dance because that would provide all the requisite stretches and spinal twists that these patients need.
“I wanted to start a support group for Parkinson’s. I even attended a workshop in New York to learn how to effectively use movement through dance and then I told my instructor — I don’t have any subjects to use my technique and passion on when I return to Dubai.”
In spite of her willingness to give her time and effort for this good cause, Singh had to face teething problems. But word soon spread and today Singh has six regular patients and conducts workshops and awareness shows across the city.
Filled with music and subtle dance movements, these classes are therapeutic. The sessions prove to be beneficial for family and caregivers as well because it makes them realise there are others around just like them.
“Meeting people afflicted with the same disease, socialising with them, striking up new friendships, all helps patients feel connected.”
Classes are pro bono — there is absolutely no charge — but those willing to donate can do so. The money is spent wisely to buy props for Movement Mantra’s shows or as taxi fare for patients who do not have transport to attend the classes.
— Shahana Raza is a UAE-based freelance writer
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Movement Mantra
Vonita Singh started Movement Mantra to help patients afflicted with Parkinson’s by teaching them the benefits of doing varied repetitive movement through dance. “Mantra means from the mind — or its Sanskrit word, manha. It is something you do over and over. So for them I say ‘movement is thy mantra’.”
• Classes are open to all Parkinson’s patients. They are conducted twice a week, Monday and Thursday 10.30-noon.
For more information visit Movement Mantra’s Facebook page.
• Live and Love Life is a Parkinson’s Support Group in Dubai which meets on the first Saturday of every month. Connect with the group via its Facebook page.
