Grant awarded to bring Arts for MS Classes to Danceworks

MILWAUKEE – Danceworks is excited to announce spring programming for the Arts for Multiple Sclerosis (Arts for MS) program, thanks to a new grant award. This iteration of the programming is funded in part by a $5,000 grant from Arts Midwest through its GIG Arts and Wellness program. This award supports professional artists leading workshops with a focus on wellness and healing.

Arts for MS was born out of a collaboration with Dr. Alexander Ng of Marquette University’s Physical Therapy Department. Dr. Ng began researching the benefits of dance for persons with Multiple Sclerosis in 2013. His research found that dance improved quality of life, cognitive function, and MS Functional Composite scores.

Over the last 10 years, Danceworks’ Teaching Artists have worked closely with Dr. Ng to develop classes for persons with MS. The goal of these dance classes is to promote physical activity, wellness, and health. Physical activity is known to be safe and effective for health, wellness, and disease management in MS. At the same time, there is increasing evidence of the importance of the arts for the health and well-being of everyone. To this end, Danceworks is pleased to offer programming in group singing and visual/participatory art in addition to dance.

We have chosen to work with local artist Nadia Alkhun and her collaborative gallery, Nadianartgallery, because of the profound connection between her creative work and the lived experience of individuals with chronic illness including multiple sclerosis. This partnership is rooted in a shared vision of wellness, community, and the integration of art and science as a means of healing, expression, and connection. We are also excited to have partnered with Evelyn Pollock, a speech pathologist and former professional opera singer who will lead the group singing.

While these classes are geared toward persons with MS, Danceworks recognizes the important role that friends, family members, and caregivers play and strongly encourages them to participate to support their loved ones and build community. Most importantly, these classes are fun! Participants of all ages will find the classes to be unique, inspiring, and designed to put a smile on your face.

“I am privileged to be part of this unique and exciting arts and wellness program offered by Danceworks. I am unaware of any other community-based opportunities like this and hope that people with MS, their friends, and families are able to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity to improve physical, emotional, and social health and well-being,” said Dr. Ng.

A variety of classes will be offered free of charge at Danceworks’ new location, 325 W. Walnut Street. Classes will take place from 6:30–7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. Offerings will include a variety of dance and other art forms, including calming contemporary, partnered social, and ballet-based dance, as well as group singing and visual art. A culminating celebration will take place on May 1st for all participants and community members.

The first class on January 26 will be an open house–style event featuring mini social dance lessons, an opportunity to tour the space, socialize, and ask questions. Pre-registration for all sessions is not required but is highly recommended (linked here for digital readers). For more information, ways to get involved or to register, please visit the schedule on Danceworks’ website at www.danceworksmke.org or reach out to jcook@danceworksmke.org.

Founded in 1992, the mission of Danceworks, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is to enhance joy, health and creativity by engaging the community through dance. Danceworks’ vision is to be a source for arts education and community collaborations that inspire a lifelong interest and participation in the arts. Each year, the organization impacts the lives of more than 55,000 children and adults through programming and performance. www.danceworksmke.org

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.