“I’m Never Going to Be in Phantom of the Opera”: Relational and Emotional Wellbeing of Parkinson’s Carers and Their Partners in and Beyond Dancing

The caregiving of people who suffer from Parkinson’s predominantly falls on their life partners. Living with and caring for somebody with Parkinson’s can cause a range of emotional, psychological, and financial pressures. Whilst an increasing number of alternative treatments for Parkinson’s is available, such as dancing, the focus is predominantly on the motor and emotional improvements of the person suffering from Parkinson’s. For caregivers, however, dancing can be a double-edged sword: Although dancing can offer an opportunity to enjoy a social event with their partner; attending dance classes puts additional responsibilities on the carer. The present study thus aimed at exploring the experiences of participants with Parkinson’s who attended dance classes as well as the experiences of their care-partners in and around these classes along with their view on everyday life changes experienced since dancing. Six couples were interviewed individually where one partner had Parkinson’s. The interviews were also analyzed separately using inductive thematic analysis. In line with existing programmes that offer dance for people with Parkinson’s, the classes used a mixture of ballroom, ballet, contemporary, and creative dance styles; supported and influenced by an instructors’ extensive knowledge of the abilities and needs of those with Parkinson’s. A recurring challenge for Parkinson’s sufferers relates to “who is in control?” based on the many unknown changes of Parkinson’s; as well as seeing/being seen. Yet frustrations were oftentimes counteracted with humour. Also, when dancing, participants with Parkinson’s reported enjoying playful interactions. Caregivers’ themes focussed on theirs and their partners’ wellbeing regarding social contacts and openness, as well as issues surrounding their responsibilities as carers. Whilst some identified dance movements that help them in everyday tasks, they and their care-partners question the impact of dance on their motor control. Yet, participants unanimously agree that dance provides relevant opportunities for social contact and comparison. Nevertheless, the care-partners’ concerns remain about the burden of increasing responsibility for the wellbeing of both partners but they also reported enjoying dancing with their partner. Experiencing their loved ones as more cheerful after starting dance classes is recognised an important positive and impactful outcome of dancing together.

EXPRESSIVE MOVEMENT & CREATIVE DANCE PRACTICE IN TIMES OF QUARANTINE: THE #VIDLOP MOVEMENT

A situação causada pela nova doença do coronavírus afetou a educação em todo o mundo, sendo urgente a aplicação de programas que promovam a atividade física em casa e o uso responsável de dispositivos conectados à internet. O presente trabalho apresenta uma proposta didática de Expressão Corporal (EC) para a sua prática desde casa, adaptável a diferentes níveis educacionais, e útil também como uma valiosa experiência educacional on-line ou presencial mesmo quando a crise do coronavírus acabe. Esta proposta baseia-se na Análise Laban de Movimento, no Teatro do Oprimido e no Lipdub. Procura desenvolver a linguagem corporal artística própria, a inteligência emocional, comportamentos saudáveis de atividade física e a consciência social dos alunos; e promover a criação de um novo movimento social (#VIDLOP), usando a arte e a mídia popular como canais democráticos e de poder para construir um mundo melhor. Em conclusão, esta pode ser uma proposta promissora para o desenvolvimento da EC e da consciência humana em cenários desafiadores e em diferentes ambientes educacionais.

The development of “Chok” local plant in kind of palm to "Jungsui" Creative dance uniform in Thailand

This research aimed to 1) study the history of “Chok” local plant in kind of palm 2) The development of the “Chok” local plant in kind of palm to Jungsui to creative dance uniform. This research was conducted by qualitative methods including data collection were documentary research, observation, in-depth interviews and two focus groups with stakeholders. Content analysis was applied to analyst the research. The finding shown that 1) The “Chok” was a local southern plant with a growth period of about 15 - 20 years 2) Mining miners have created wisdom by bringing “Chok” local plant in kind of palm that it was not invented to “Jungsui” Creative dance uniform because it was resistant to wear to prevent rain. By discovering the steps of the invention of the seven steps. 3) Phang Nga province had a variety of local plants. However, Expanding tourism made the encroachment of natural areas. So., Local ecosystems and plants were destroyed. While, some local plants that were worthless. Beneficial of "Choke" was applied to create an economies at both micro and macro levels and able to maintain the inventive local Thai wisdom knowledge the "Jungsui" when applied to craftsmanship and creative costume.