From Martin: 

I find the classes very useful and although I have only recently joined, I feel much better for attending.

In particular I find it helps with my balance which had deteriorated a lot. I feel physically better at the end of the class and sleep better at night. Living alone it gives me something to look forward to and I find the interaction with other people is very good for me. Being shy it was a big step for me to join, but I am really glad I did. 

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​From Steve and Trish:

Jackie’s dance for Parkinson’s class has been absolutely brilliant for my husband Steve.
Before joining Jackie’s class about 4 years ago, Steve was very reluctant to do much exercise and struggled to deal with, or talk about, his diagnosis in general.
Jackie is so encouraging and motivating in class and her genuine enthusiasm is really uplifting. She sets routines to music, which really encourages everyone to exercise both physically and mentally.
There is always humour in the class and everyone is genuinely happier afterwords. The group’s version of the Maypole dance was hilarious and everyone had such fun!
Since joining the class, Steve is much more outgoing and happy and the dance exercises have  definitely made a difference to his mobility. He looks forward to Tuesday’s class and enjoys chatting to everyone there. I also really enjoy the class too, as partners and family are encouraged to come along and join in. Jackie also has some brilliant helpers, too who make sure there is safety at all times.

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From Jo:

My husband had Parkinson's and loved attending Jackie's class. The group is very welcoming, Jackie a fantastic teacher and he felt supported by everyone there. They all understand the difficulties Parkinson's brings so no need for explanation or emabarrassment.  The dancing is always fun and inclusive. The music really helps with movement, co-ordination and walking.  My husband could hardly walk - I will never forget walking into the room to see Billy striding around in time to Freddy Mercury, just holding Jackie's arm with a huge smile on his face - amazing.

The voice exercises and singing really help with speech and breathing.  The song is always one that everybody knows.

Parkinson's took away Billy's independence, the dance class was the only activity that was just for him.  The support from Jackie and helpers Mon and Jo meant he did not need me.  He left the class exhausted but happy.  The coffee session after the class is great for chatting about anything and everything - very often hints and tips, good places for accessible holidays or the latest piece of PD tech someone is trying.

The Christmas party is always fun and the talent show fantastic. Taking part in the dance shows is a real confidence boost and helps to raise awareness of PD and the challenges it brings.

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Anon:

I read about Dance for Parkinsons in the Guardian and was pleasantly surprised at how easily a Google search turned up sessions at a venue nearby. I started going fairly recently having checked with my Consultant and GP that I was eligible. 

I am able to get to the venue by bus followed by a short walk but there is ample parking should I choose to drive.

I was immediately welcomed by Jackie and the group and introduced to everyone. I felt very comfortable despite being a newcomer!

The sessions are very carefully planned with music that I know and ‘moves’ that gradually get more challenging. There is no pressure to do anything one feels unhappy about but everyone seems willing to push themselves. Jackie’s approach encourages this and her feedback to us is always positive. Her sense of humour and amazing ability to remember everyone’s name help create a friendly atmosphere in which we all look after each other.

I have been very struck by how even severely disabled participants are able to join in thanks to the support of helpers. No one appears embarrassed by their difficulties 

The main physical benefit I get is improved balance and ‘fluidity’ of movement. My wife has commented that my gait has perhaps improved.

I also enjoy the social aspects of the sessions and have usually been able to join the group for coffee after the sssions.

The organisational aspects of the classes are trouble free and efficient - a timely reminder before each session and clear instructions about payment and so on.

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From Peter:

Jackie's classes are a beacon of light in in a depressing Parkinson's-induced personal landscape. I always feel cheered up after attending, partly because it's good to be able to share problems with others, and partly because of the enjoyable nature of the sessions which combine fun with securing physical benefits. And the restorative power of music should not be underestimated.

Although Jackie’s classes are one among several types of activity I participate in to address the physical downsides of Parkinson's it's true to say that since I started, my posture has improved and my falls rate is reduced.

Jackie’s welcoming and inclusive approach is, I think, key to the classes’ success. I'm fairly sure (not least because I can't think of any other factor) that attendance at her classes restored my confidence sufficiently to be able to travel to London from Devon after a nasty fall there several weeks before.

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From Andy:

Jackie is a wonderful person who really cares about all of us as individuals and as a group. She makes her dance class inclusive for everyone  and encourages us all to do what we can. She explains why we are doing the movements and how they benifit  our Parkinsons, we also do voice excersises each session. We are very lucky to have excellent support from a couple of helpers who come along every week and help those who need a bit of extra support. 

I can go to dance class feeling all stiff  achy  with low mood and self esteem and leave feeling good with a lot less stiffness. After class we go to a cafe where we can chat and put the world to right 

Unfortunately Jackie can't cure Parkinsons but for a couple of hours each week she can make life a lot better for us.

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From Mon (our brilliant helper):

I have been a volunteer at Jackie Fowler's Dance for Parkinson's sessions for about six years, and during that time I have experienced so much laughter and enjoyment.  Those who come along forget about Parkinsons for an hour, and longer if they join us for coffee afterwards. A family atmosphere is created and as soon as a new member joins they are welcomed into that "family" and instantly find a sense of belonging to something special. Some people come with their partners and, in the safe space created by Jackie, they are able to dance together almost like they did before. But even people with limited movement are able to join in; the classes are accessible to everyone.

Jackie brings along several different dance tunes for every session, and also brings printed sheets for a singalong. She changes the theme every few weeks; she must dedicate hours behind the scenes preparing for these classes.

Jackie also teaches children`s classes. Every two years they have a summer show on a Sunday, and Dance for Parkinson`s members join in with the finale. That  the audience really loves this is shown by the tremendous applause. In addition to this there is a Christmas party every year at a selected venue.

Obviously the dance for Parkinson`s sessions are excellent for providing exercises and core strengthening activities, and Jackie has recently been on a course in Leicester to keep up to date. 

I'm just a volunteer but I get so much enjoyment from Jackie's classes, and have learnt so much about music from the different scores she brings along. I should hate to think that anyone with Parkinson's might be prevented from coming along due to financial pressures. I think that this is definitely a project worthy of funding.

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From Pat:

I will start by saying “there are many superlatives we could use to describe Jackie & Katie but I personally think wonder woman fit’s the bill perfectly for both of them”

Choice of music is always spot on although we are able to come up with our own ideas as well. Have input by choosing a favourite song for Jackie to apply exercise/moves to

There is no pressure to make everything perfect and/or get it right first time we are always encouraged to “do what we can”

Hand/leg coordination: Some of us have never got to grips with moving opposite hand/leg but it really doesn’t matter as long as we keep moving.

Attention to safety – you can only make this work in a safe environment since we are all so different and this is where our amazing helpers feature. They will jump in if they think there is a need but do not force themselves on anyone. They empathise and try to help where they can and will mostly be guided by you. So we always afford them the respect they are due. After all, we do not want to be like the little old lady who was marched across the road when she didn’t want to go.

Standing chair exercises I need 2 chairs  (one on top of the other) for this because I catch hold so tightly and a single chair moves. My timing is also not great and I tend at some point to be ahead of everyone else but it is not frowned upon. Despite having been with Jackie and Katie almost from the start I remain their challenge!

but................ by far the biggest benefit for me is, one day each week I can be forgiven for thinking  I don’t have Parkinsons and you can’t buy that!

Meetings are a means for my sisters and I to catch up and enjoy a coffee afterwards with some of the group. Besides my having .Parkinsons, my twin sister Maureen Bolt also has IT! My younger sister Di Barnett does not have IT but has her own issues and is welcomed to the group as our carer/helper. Once you have joined us (and why wouldn’t you) we seem to develop a very strong bond and look out for each other:

MAUREEN BOLT = our very own DITTY Queen

DI BARNETT = our very own SHIMMY Queen

PAT EDMUNDS = our very own Teachers Pet

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Anon:

I would like to give feedback on the Parkinsons dance course . We very much appreciate it. The class is held this side of a big city so access Parkinsons class that doesn’t involve to much travel is very helpful.

The class has helped my husband greatly. He has grown in confidence, made new friends and has gained some improvements in flexibility balance and voice strengthening. He has had support in posture and has been encouraged to try to sit down and stand up as he fights his way through  fatigue.

One to one volunteers stepping in to help is an excellent support as it means I don’t have to struggle to get my husband engaging in activities. Through others' encouragement, kindness, well-dones along with smiles,  the class is a wonderful place to come.  

Just chatting with other people either carers or people with the condition is incredibly valuable.  A piece of helpful advice here and there is like gold. A place of friendships forged, achievements made and  support in the challenges Parkinsons disease brings. 

Thank you Jackie for all you do.

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From Chris and Georgie:

My husband and I have been coming to these classes for about 3 years or more. It's become a very important part of our lives.  Being part of a group prevents isolation, which could happen with Parkinson's.  We are blessed with a wonderful teacher who makes everyone feel welcome, makes all the exercises fun....so much better than trying to do something alone.  The music is varied from classic to pop and you only have to look around to see how everyone enjoys whatever they are able to do immensely.   ...lifting ones mood to another place where all things are possible.

There's a chance to socialise afterwards and the benefits of this are enormous.. sharing of ideas to overcome problems or just having a good laugh in company where you don't have to explain anything.

As a group we have a fun filled Christmas party, There's a show where one can join in and demonstrate to the public just what is possible despite Parkinson's....a joint visit to the theatre..it all makes up to a feeling of belonging, caring for each other and a general feeling of well being.

 

​From Angela:

I think the classes are great fun and inclusive. Some of the exercises you incorporate into the dances I find helpful at home. Also I love the friendliness of everyone which makes a unified group where newcomers are made very welcome. The fact that we know everyone there is either on the Parkinson's journey or supporting some who is means that no explaining it needed if someone is having a bad day.

It is lovely having a theme each half term. It must take a long time to find the varied music you use. Your enthusiasm and cheerfulness adds to the experience. 
Thank you for all you do for the group.

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From Anon:

The Parkinson’s Dance classes are helping me in many ways. 

It encourages me to exercise parts of the body I wouldn’t otherwise be doing.

With the music planned to  enhance the exercises, the session is far more interesting than doing exercises at home.  The exercise/ dance moves help with improving balance and the voice exercise and singing are enjoyable too.  All  the people are so friendly and encouraging, the leader / teacher / organiser, the helpers as well as the other people who are living with Parkinson’s and their spouses who come along and join in.  The sessions are a good morale booster; from the people do not, at first sight, appear to have any problems to those who are most severely affected, as everyone is cheerful and positive.  It is so good to belong to a group who understands the difficulties we all face.

The social aspect is very important for making friends and building confidence as we can join in the ‘after class‘ refreshment time and chat and the Christmas party is great fun;  a recent trip to our local theatre was very much enjoyed.

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Anon:

From my point of view as partner/carer I find the class is really good for me as it gets us out and socialising.  I enjoy the exercises and particularly the singing,  also the coffee and chat afterwards.  I find it quite uplifting and think it is good for both of us. 

Also I like to see my husband alert and trying to do the exercises which I know he finds difficult so I think it is good for him.  He enjoys the coffee afterwards especially the biscuits!

We both always feel welcome and  we also enjoy the Christmas party. 

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Anon:

I like your classes because they are friendly  and inclusive. We exercise our limbs, voices and balance and we are all encouraged to have tea together afterwards. 

We exercise with out being aware how much . I strongly recommend it.

 It improves my balance and walking as well as help to lift my mood.

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From Paul M:

I was made most welcome from the very first session I attended: there is a highly-supportive ethos to the group, not least from our patient leader, Jackie, who encourages invariably and cheerfully navigates us through various exercises and dance routines, all very well-tailored to our abilities. The exercises are easy to follow and include vocal strength, stretches, limb oppositions and flexibility. Some of the exercises (such as armswinging) I use at home and find very beneficial.

No-one judges anyone and the enjoyable sessions just fly past.
There is a good range of music deployed for the routines and appropriate warm-ups and
warm-downs are part of the classes.
Another big benefit is meeting fellow Parkinson’s sufferers and swapping tips and news and receiving encouragement/support from each other. 
Finally, there is a mental boost from moving about and socialising with supportive, kind
people: an hour to forget other worries.

It’s the hour of the week I look forward to the most!

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From Pat:

'My sisters and l attend Jackie's class  and don't miss a week unless we really have to. To say that Jackie is a brilliant teacher is an understatement, she goes beyond that in order that we get the best out of every minute and the time always seems to go so quickly. Some, like us have been coming for years but when new people join she makes sure they are welcomed into the fold and included immediately (It is very rare for people not to come again). In summary for one hour each week Jackie and her band of helpers can almost make us believe we don't have PARKY'S! THEY ARE SIMPLY THE BEST. I could go on forever but no time.  We are joining another of Jackie's dance shows in MAY which will raise awareness of Parkinsons. Today she will get us practising so that we get our left/rights correct................keeeeeeeeep dancing............x '

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From Sue:

The classes are a very good morale booster, seeing people who have  much less mobility or range of movements than myself, yet are so cheerful and never complaining is so reassuring and inspiring.
Jackie is such an encouraging and inspiring  ‘teacher / leader’ and always so cheerful and welcoming that it’s a joy to be in the group each Tuesday.
The whole group are friendly and everybody seems to enjoy speaking with everyone else- that includes spouses/ carers.
The morning goes very quickly, and one certainly does feel as that it has been a ‘jolly good workout.’
The excercise linked with a theme and music makes  the moments easier to remember and ‘make sense’  The  vocal exercises are  good too.
The only part of the morning I am not very enthusiastic about is any ‘free movement ‘  - I have no sense of rhythm or imagination / inhibition of movement
Joints always feel that much freer after exercising.

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From Catherine and Ashley:

Ashley was diagnosed with PD about 5 years ago, and we learnt about the Parkinson's Dance classes soon afterwards. However, he strongly resisted joining the classes due to the title as he didn't want to learn to "dance".  

Fast forward to last summer, when you came along to the Parkinson's coffee morning at the Pinhoe Hoard to give a demonstration of one of the class routines, and he agreed to come along and try it after all. We started coming along, and both enjoyed the class so much that we have been coming every week since then.

One of the things that makes it so good is that it is really inclusive - there are no expectations about what participants can or can't do and everyone is encouraged to do whatever they can manage. The classes are particularly beneficial to those with Parkinson's as they involve exercises that work all the various muscles by improving strength, mobility, and balance, and especially that voice exercises are included in the sessions. 

In summary, the classes are an important and fun way to exercise and move to music, and we genuinely look forward to coming every week. They are now a fixed event on our weekly calendar. And lastly, but probably most importantly, you are such a great teacher!

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From Peter and Kathy:

'We look forward to the classes each week. Very much helped with Parkinson's.  We love the singing sheets and enjoy the company of other people with Parkinson's.'

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From Chris and Georgie:

'Chris feels the activity helps his Parkinson's. The social aspect of meeting other people with similar problems cannot be underestimated.  We both like the singing.  The whole class is very uplifting and we always enjoy every session.  Thank you - you are doing a brilliant job!'

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From Rosemary and Trevor:

'We both look forward to coming - exercise with music with much fun.  Very helpful as it also links with formal exercise programmes.  Many thanks for the continuing welcome.'

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'Revived and ready for anything.  gives you a feel good factor.'

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'Amazing group.  Jackie is so motivational and happy - we really enjoy the class.'

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'Thank you for a fabulous inclusive group.  Makes everyone feel uplifted and happy.  We enjoy the weekly sessions.  Great friendships being made.'

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