What does dance and Parkinson’s Disease have in common? Sarah Fuller, a Loyola adjunct professor, is someone who is able to combine the two in her work for the Parkinson’s Project. This week, Right Brain spoke with Fuller to learn more about the work that she does at the Hubbard Street Dance Studio with those affected by the disease.
As the founding artist of the project, Fuller states that “the idea of starting the program came by way of an intense personal desire to connect to dancers who may otherwise be marginalized or disregarded because of disability or ageism.”
Beginning in 2008 this project has grown to include caregivers and family members as well as a separate Autism Project for children with Autism. Fuller believes that “the most wonderful aspect of my job is that I am able to connect these two seemingly very different populations through a shared love of dance. Each population reminds me of the limitless opportunities that the body has to offer-that a small gesture has as much meaning and beauty as something large or virtuosic. This work is a constant reminder that dance is a universal language and that all should have access to it.” The act of dancing even alleviates some of the pain caused by Parkinson’s Disease and acts as a type of physical therapy for patients.
Are you interested in learning more about the Parkinson’s Project? Do you know a Loyola professor who is making a difference in or outside of the classroom? Let us know on Twitter @RBBlogTweets or in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you!
Check out their website about how you can get involved below!