The human brain is an incredible problem-solving machine, constantly seeking solutions and adapting to challenges. Interestingly, dance, a seemingly purely physical activity, plays a significant role in enhancing this very ability. By strengthening the intricate networks within our brains, dance offers a unique pathway to improved cognitive function and resilience, particularly in the face of neurological disorders.
Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease disrupt established neural pathways, hindering the brain’s ability to perform everyday tasks. However, as neuroscientist and psychotherapist Sofia Martins explains, the brain possesses remarkable plasticity. When existing pathways are compromised, it actively seeks to forge new ones, rerouting connections to maintain functionality. Martins emphasizes that “because dance is so neurologically demanding, it’s really giving the brain more options.” This demand encourages the brain to locate or even create alternative neural routes, effectively bypassing damaged areas. In essence, dance empowers the brain to overcome neurological obstacles, proving that when it comes to adaptability and recovery, You Can Think You Can Dance your way to better brain health.
Partner dance emerges as a particularly potent tool for individuals grappling with certain neurological disorders. Madeleine Hackney, an associate professor at Emory School of Medicine and former professional dancer, highlights the power of external cues in dance. The gentle touch of a partner’s hand, for instance, can act as a prompt, guiding the brain to navigate around damaged regions and initiate movement.
Hackney’s research has extensively explored the benefits of dance for Parkinson’s disease, a condition characterized by movement difficulties stemming from impaired nerve cells in the basal ganglia – a brain region crucial for motor control. A common and debilitating symptom of Parkinson’s is freezing of gait, where individuals feel their feet are stuck to the ground. However, Hackney points out a fascinating intervention: “if you put your foot directly in front of the person’s foot, as you might do in tango, they can step over it.” This simple yet profound cue from a dance partner effectively helps the brain bypass the compromised basal ganglia networks, switching to alternative neural connections to restore movement. This illustrates how partner dance, and the cues it provides, can unlock movement potential even when neurological pathways are disrupted, reinforcing the idea that you can think you can dance even with physical limitations.
While research into dance’s impact spans various neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s and autism spectrum disorders, Parkinson’s disease has been a significant area of focus. Hackney suggests this emphasis is partly due to Parkinson’s presenting “obviously very salient problems of motor ability,” making the effects of dance more readily observable and measurable.
David Leventhal, a former dancer with the Mark Morris Dance Group and the program director and founding teacher of Dance for PD, has contributed to numerous scientific publications on dance and Parkinson’s. His work further underscores the growing body of evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of dance for neurological health. These studies collectively demonstrate that through dedicated movement and engagement, individuals can tap into their brain’s inherent capacity for adaptation and healing, truly embodying the principle that you can think you can dance your way to improved well-being and cognitive function.
