Dancing for Parkinson’s Performance and Discussion at New College

Come explore the intersections between movement therapy, art and new approaches to cognition at  “Embodied Cognition in (Inter)Action,” a Dancing for Parkinson’s performance and panel discussion at New College of Florida.
The event is on Saturday, April 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the College Hall Music Room, 5800 Bay Shore Road, on the College’s bayfront.
It is free and open to the public thanks to support provided by a grant to New College from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. However, space is limited. Please register at https://danceforparkinsonsncf.eventbrite.com
Dance for Parkinson’s Disease has been opening up possibilities of expressive movement for people with Parkinson’s Disease for more than 15 years. Participants experience improvement in endurance, balance and motor control while learning strategies for enhanced life quality. At the same time, dance classes offer researchers interested in new models of embodied cognition a way to see such cognition in action. This event will bring together dancers, practitioners, and theorists to explore these emerging fields.
The Dance for Parkinson’s performance features Leymis Bolaños-Wilmott, the Artistic Director of Sarasota Contemporary Dance who trained in the internationally recognized Dance for PD program through the Mark Morris Dance Group.  Additional members of Sarasota Contemporary Dance will perform alongside Parkinson’s dancers to the accompaniment of live drumming.
The  “Embodied Cognition: Theory and Practice Panel” features Bolaños-Wilmott ; Peter Cook, Assistant Professor of Psychology at New College; April Flakne, Associate Professor of Philosophy at New College; and Marilyn Tait, Executive Director of The Parkinson Place in Sarasota.
Cook is a comparative psychologist and neuroscientist who studies rhythmic behavior in animals and the temporal components of function within, and communication across, brain networks.
Flakne’s research includes the role of movement and contact in empathy and interpersonal understanding as demonstrated in improvisational dance partnering.
Tait is an experienced educator, nationally-known speaker and an expert in fulfilling the physical and emotional needs of those living with Parkinson’s disease.

“Embodied Cognition in (Inter)Action”
A Dancing for Parkinson’s Performance and Panel Discussion
Saturday, April 22, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
 
Schedule of Events
11:00 AM – 12:00 noon: Welcome reception and light brunch (space limited)
12:00 noon – 12:50 PM: Dance for Parkinson’s Demo and Performance
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM:  Embodied Cognition: Theory and Practice Panel
For more information or to register, please visit  https://danceforparkinsonsncf.eventbrite.com