Ballet as Brain Health: Fighting Dementia Through Dance
An article in Harper's Bazaar explores how ballet can aid in preventing dementia through cognitive enhancement. The writer, who returns to ballet after a two-decade hiatus, speaks with specialists who underscore the dance's role in forming new neural connections. Angela Trimbur points out that mastering choreography boosts memory and coordination. Catalina Jackson-Urueña discusses the balance of comfort and challenge in ballet. Lisa Mosconi notes that unique movements blend physical activity with learning, promoting brain health. David Leventhal mentions the integration of sensory and physical awareness. A meta-analysis of 10 studies involving nearly 1,000 subjects reveals that dance therapy enhances cognitive abilities and alleviates depression. Experts advocate for pairing dance with resistance training, and the author includes weightlifting and contemporary dance.
Key facts
- Angela Trimbur teaches a 21+ Balletcore class with the intention of fighting dementia.
- Trimbur: 'Whether someone remembers every step is honestly less important to me than the fact that they're building new neuron pathways.'
- Catalina Jackson-Urueña directs the Dancing Through Parkinson's program at Invertigo Dance Theatre in Los Angeles.
- Lisa Mosconi directs the Women's Brain Initiative and Alzheimer's Prevention Program at Weill Cornell Medicine.
- David Leventhal is founding teacher and director of Dance for PD at Mark Morris Dance Group.
- A meta-analysis of 10 studies with nearly 1,000 participants found dance therapy improved global cognitive function.
- AileyDance for Active Aging classes in Midtown Manhattan teach Alvin Ailey's Revelations to New Yorkers over 50.
- Brenda Aiken, 71, a former physician, participates in Ailey Extension workshops and feels renewed pride.
- Ryan Glatt, brain-health coach at Pacific Neuroscience Institute, recommends combining dance with resistance training.
- Jess Grippo founded Rusty Ballet, a class for people out of practice, drawing ages 20s to 70s.
Entities
Artists
- Angela Trimbur
- Catalina Jackson-Urueña
- Lisa Mosconi
- David Leventhal
- Brenda Aiken
- Jess Grippo
- Arimee Gambill
- Rachel McCaulsky
- Ryan Glatt
- Alvin Ailey
- Pina Bausch
Institutions
- Invertigo Dance Theatre
- Weill Cornell Medicine
- Mark Morris Dance Group
- Ailey Extension
- Ailey Arts in Education & Community Programs
- Pacific Neuroscience Institute
- Dance Again
- New York Liberty
- Harper's Bazaar
Locations
- Los Angeles
- United States
- New York City
- Midtown Manhattan