Dr Sara Houston publishes new book, Dancing with Parkinson's
- Sunday, September 8, 2019
Dr Houston's Dancing with Parkinson's was officially launched at an event on 24 August
Dr Sara Houston of the Department of Dance's latest work was launched at an event on 24 August 2019. The book ‘explores the experience and value of dancing for people living with the neurodegenerative disorder Parkinson's disease’. It draws on a four-year study led by Dr Houston and Dr Ashley McGill in partnership with English National Ballet.
Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the nervous and motor systems. The research explored how patients with Parkinson's may benefit from the experience of participatory dancing. The book uses personal narratives and the findings of the research project to show how dance can be a way of improving the lives of those with Parkinson's.
Dr Houston's research into dance and Parkinson's previously won the BUPA Foundation Prize in 2011.
Dr Houston said ‘This book reflects years of research into the benefits of dance for people living with Parkinson's. It explores the many ways that dance, as both a physical activity and an opportunity to create community and relate to people, can change people's lives for the better’.
Dancing with Parkinson's is published by Intellect Books and is available on their website. You can read more about the research project at Roehampton Dance and on the English National Ballet website. Dr Houston will be undertaking a tour in North America to promote the book.
The University of Roehampton's Department of Dance is the most research-intensive dance department in the UK (Research Excellence Framework, 2014).