Keep On Dancing: A Catalyst Special
Tuesday 4 October 8.30pm Episode 1 of 2
Can dance can be a shortcut to better health? Myf Warhurst hosts a unique experiment where a group of over 65’s attempt to slow the effects of aging through dance training culminating in a special performance.
In this two-part Catalyst special, nine older Australians take part in a twelve-week experiment exploring the power of dance for people over the age of 65. Hosted by Myf Warhurst, the programmes explore the emerging science that says dancing can improve fitness, balance, memory, mood and cognition. In short, it might slow the effects of aging.
Most of our volunteers have no dance experience, so leading them through this experiment is one of Australia’s most accomplished choreographers – Kelley Abbey (Dancing with the Stars, Happy Feet). Her task is to prepare them for a one-of-a-kind, accomplished performance to friends and family at the end of the 12 weeks.
Our dancers are living with many of the health conditions we face as we age – Parkinson’s, Alzheimers, cancer, peripheral neuropathy and poor balance that leads to falls. Monitoring their progress through physical and cognitive tests is biomechanical scientist Dr Rachel Ward from UNSW.
Will the twelve weeks of dance have beneficial results for the volunteers including 67-year-old Rod who lives with neuropathy (nerve damage) in his legs and 75-year-old Shirley, who lives with Alzheimer’s disease? And will dance improve both physical and cognitive health of the nine older Australians as they prepare for their performance?
Production credit: An ABC production. Producer Director: David Symonds, Associate Producer: Oliver Graham, Rebecca Hill, Executive Producer: Penny Palmer, A/ Head of Factual and Culture: Richard Huddleston.