In Buenos Aires, an innovative treatment program is using the tango to help those affected by Parkinson’s disease. Patients participate in workshops at the Ramos Mejia Hospital, where recent studies indicate that dancing the tango may alleviate some symptoms of this challenging neurodegenerative condition. Over the past 15 years, approximately 200 patients have engaged in these workshops, exploring the therapeutic benefits of this iconic dance.
According to neurologist Nelida Garretto, gait disorders are a significant challenge for Parkinson’s patients. The tango, with its focus on starting and stopping steps, provides a unique way to address these issues. “The tango as a walking dance works on strategies for walking,” Garretto explains. This form of therapy has shown promising results, with many participants discovering methods to overcome the motor blocks that often impede their movement.
Neurologist Tomoko Arakaki highlights how some patients have found creative solutions through tango. “A patient told us that when she freezes, she tries to do the ‘figure eight’ — one of the classic tango steps — with her feet, and this enables her to get out of the freeze,” she states. This technique not only aids in movement but also helps build a “sensory pathway” that enhances overall mobility.
Participants like Lidia Beltran, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s just two years ago, have found a new lease on life through dance. At 66 years old, Beltran had never danced the tango before joining the workshop. “If it’s to stop the advance, I have to do it, I have to dance for my life,” she declares. Beyond physical benefits, dancing has also proven to elevate her mood and stability. “Tomorrow I’m sure I’ll feel better because today I danced tango,” she says.
The emotional and social aspects of tango therapy have not gone unnoticed. Parkinson’s disease can lead to feelings of isolation and depression, but the dance workshops provide a supportive community. Patients are paired with partners who do not have Parkinson’s, and they are guided by experienced dance therapists like Manuco Firmani, who has been involved in Parkinson’s rehabilitation since 2011.
The positive impact of these workshops is verified through regular evaluations conducted by neurologist Sergio Rodriguez. “We have measured improvements in cognitive skills, motor skills, gait and balance,” he notes. The structure of the tango, requiring dancers to follow rhythms and interpret cues from their partners, offers a multi-faceted approach that benefits participants.
Eighty-six-year-old Emilia, who prefers not to disclose her last name, travels two hours by bus to attend the workshops, despite her son’s concerns about her journey. “For me, this is the happiness of every Tuesday,” she shares, reflecting on how tango brings back memories of her youth.
As the class concludes, applause fills the room, and a palpable atmosphere of satisfaction envelops the participants. Dance therapist Laura Segade observes, “After all, who can take away what they’ve danced?” The resilience and joy expressed by those involved in the tango workshops underscore the profound impact of this unique therapeutic approach on the lives of people living with Parkinson’s disease.
