Seated Dance & Movement Therapy Melbourne
In 2016 Lisa Koba worked alongside Professor Meg Morris from La Trobe University Melbourne in a trial exploring the correlation between tap dancing & improved motor performance, quality of life & well being in individuals of varying movement abilities. Professor Meg Morris has previously conducted studies on the benefits of Argentine Tango & Irish Set dancing in Venice Italy for Parkinson’s patients.
“This is the first time we’ve looked at tap dancing & we’ve realised its potential. It is part of a much bigger picture, further cognitive dance studies may unearth intricacies in what way the brain controls movement & how disease suffers are unlocked by dance,” Professor Morris said. “Tap dancing requires you to learn short routines, so you have to think about movement, sequence & have to do the steps in a certain order. It’s a really good way to exercise your brain at the same time as exercising your body.” Professor Morris said.
Lisa now holds Let’s Move with Lisa sessions which are customised seated dance and movement sessions in aged care facilities, adult day centres, dementia cafes & other dementia support groups. The sessions are mainly seated land low impact which assists to build bone density, work the heart muscle & is appropriate for 60 plus with any level of fitness. The sessions are a wonderful social activity that can help improve energy levels, reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease & diabetes, strengthening your heart while moving in a fun way. Dance is food for the body, mind & spirit.
“Based on previous research, regularly engaging in dancing lowered the seniors’ risk of dementia by a staggering 76%.” www.healthguidance.com
Contact Lisa for further information about Let’s Move with Lisa.
Let’s Move was proud to be involved and supporting Dancing Against Dementia 2023, run by The Umbrella Dementia Cafe.
The dance-a-thon fundraiser was held on Saturday 16 September 2023. DJ Isaiah raised the the roof playing dance anthems between the 1940’s and 2020’s, teams of all ages danced for someone they love living with dementia.
Research shows that dancing can help reduce the onset of dementia and improve cognitive function. And it’s just as powerful for people living with dementia. The sooner you start dancing, the better it can be, even as young as 30yrs old. So don’t wait until retirement to start the fight against dementia. The fight starts today. Sign up and get involved for 2024!
Testimonials
“Lisa brings a sense of fun, enthusiasm and joy to our residents with each session. Bringing back fond memories with the music she plays and the lively banter as she shows and explains the exercises. Working with residents in a memory support unit needs a special type of gift which Lisa has in bounds as she uses different techniques using visual and sensory to engage the residents.” Cathie Singleton, Lifestyle Coordinator, AdventCare Whitehorse
"Very enjoyable dancing today, it brings back memories.” Ted, April, 2017
"Thank you, for making the day so very special." July 2017
"Lisa Koba has developed & led multiple dancing sessions at the Umbrella Dementia Cafe's. As our cafés include all types of dementia diseases, Lisa’s unique skill & proficiency to adapt to all physical & cognitive abilities, has allowed our café group to feel connected through their shared love of music & dance. Lisa’s selection of dance style & music is always appropriate, respectful & sensitive to our guest’s interests. This is especially important given the wide age ranges within our group. Lisa’s passion & enthusiasm inspires all our guests to not only participate & engage, but to also laugh whole-heartedly from the pure joy she brings to each & every one of her dance classes." Kirsty Porter, Founder, Umbrella Dementia Cafe's
Thanks for a wonderful workshop. The residents really loved it, & I also got a lot of positive feedback from staff. Veronica, Activities Coordinator, Mercy Place Aged Care
“It was so lovely having you here again yesterday – you music & energy is such a buzz here.” April 2019
“It was so good to have you back yesterday after the challenge of lockdown the residents were elated.” Steph Lovick, Lifestyle Co-ordinator, Uniting AgeWell
“Your joy and energy is infectious. I haven't felt like this for a long time.” Dyson September 2023
