Parkinson’s Disease (PD) can significantly impact the quality of life for its patients, especially since most PD patients are elderly, with the typical onset of the disease starting at 65 years old. Characterized by tremors, painful muscle contractions, and difficulty speaking, PD patients can find it difficult to do simple tasks due to the symptoms.
To raise awareness about this disease, Bereber Sayaw PD, an organization that’s a first of its kind in the country that aims to uplift individuals affected by Parkinson’s Disease, has introduced a therapy-based dance program to help bring joy and hope to patients afflicted with the disease.
Founded in 2019 by Novy Bereber, a Filipino-Australian choreographer, director, performer, and Pilates Instructor, Bereber Sayaw PD is a unique art-based supportive care that was born with two intents in mind: dance for dancing’s sake is an enjoyable social setting, as well as accompany individuals with Parkinson’s Disease through body movements in dance classes that are based on a set of principles, approaches, and concepts found to be particularly beneficial for their condition.
“It’s time to break the misconception that there is nothing much we can do once an individual is affected by Parkinson’s. Through dance, we can help these individuals turn their lives around, finding joy and hope in staying active, expressing themselves or reaching their full potential no matter their age or circumstance,” shared Novy.
The chair-based dance movements consist of exercises that target the spine, upper limbs and hands while providing a stable, safe base to engage the lower extremities. These movements are effective means to stimulate the participant’s creativity, imagination, cognitive skills, and emotions through movements.
The launch of Bereber Sayaw PD at Manila Marriott Hotel highlights the launch of the advocacy campaign created by its partner creative agency and advocacy supporter Brand Worx, led by their President, Nikky Nicandro.
“Our campaign conviction – Parkinson’s disease may diminish mobility but not the human spirit. Together, we can foster an environment where everyone has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of dance,” he expressed.
Bereber Sayaw PD hopes to be a nationally recognized foundation with a vision to help the underserved Parkinson’s Disease community in the Philippines and in Asia through supportive care. The organization also aims to enable communities in the country and abroad to thrive through dance — by connecting the Parkinson’s Disease Care Ecosystem of Patients-Carers-Benefactors-Medical Community-LGUs.
Bereber Sayaw PD’s vision is slowly coming to fruition thanks to the support of key advocacy supporters including Manila Marriott Hotel, Tere Filipinia, composer and lyricist of Bereber Sayaw PD song Toy Angsico, and Iloilo Bereber Dance Theater Company.
