Achieve Brain Plasticity through Dancing (Level 1) Achieve Brain Plasticity through Dancing (Level 1)
Discover the fascinating theory behind brain plasticity and its impact on healthy aging, while gaining practical knowledge on how to enhance brain plasticity through the power of dance.
- Encouraging neuroplastic change in the brain to improve mobility, balance, functional movement and mood for seniors
- To encourage seniors to dance when strenuous exercise is not an option
- Train adult children/family member how to dance so they may teach their family members at home and practice together
- Encourage family bonding in the golden years
Session 1: Overview and Posture
- Brief overview of the brain body connection – bones and joints, muscles and ligaments, nerves, brain plasticity
- Our brain: An active and malleable learning machine due to its neuroplasticity or capacity to respond to changes in our behaviour
- Why is dancing good for plasticity?: The biomechanical feedback from dancing meets the 5 components necessary for neuroplastic change (Challenge & novelty ,intention, specific attention, repetition and intensity, time)
- The first basic dance element: Posture and frame
- Exercises to regain good posture
Session 2: Balance
- The elements of balance: Spine, Ankle, Feet, Heel and Toes
- Static balance and keeping still
- Dynamic balance: Weight transfer, shifting, moving, staying aligned
- Exercises to strengthen ankles and feet, stretching calf muscles
- Exercises to develop core strength and stability
Session 3: Music and Movement
- Why does our brain love dancing?
- Adding music, moving to rhythm and timing
- Hip movement
- Exercises to improve flexibility and develop awareness of pelvic movements
- Special Home exercise: Brisk walking correctly to strengthen your core with minimal effort
- In class walking evaluation exercise
Session 4: Self Connection Equation
- Posture + Balance + Music + Movement = Self Connection
- Getting coordinated
- Upper and lower body isolation
- Exercise: Learning short dance routines focusing on weight change, shifting and isolation
- Bonus Tips: Alternative ways to stand up with less stress on knees
Session 5: Connection with Partner
- Communication through leading and following
- Choreographed routines vs unmemorised steps
- Exercise: Learning simple box dance steps and turns - focusing on weight shifting, improving coordination and non verbal communication
Trainer Profile
Mr Benedict Lau is an ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance) certified teacher with over 20 years’ experience in dance and fitness instruction. Mr Lau teaches in his studio as well as off-site engagements by organisations and corporate companies. He has developed fitness and body conditioning programmes approved by NSA since 2016. Earlier in his career, Mr Lau competed at a professional level in DanceSport (1997 to 2007), was ranked first place in the Olympic Council of Malaysia (DanceSport) in 2005, and represented Malaysia in both SEA Games and Asian Games. He has won the top spot in several international competitions.
* The trainer is subject to change without prior notice.
| Course Duration | |
|---|---|
| Course Duration | 15 hours (5 sessions)
3 hours per session |
| Course Dates | Tuesday 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 July 2024 |
| Time | 2.30pm to 5.30pm |
| Venue | NUSS Kent Ridge Guild House 9 Kent Ridge Drive Singapore 119241 |
| Registration Closing Date | 27 May 2024 |
| Course Fees per pax (Including GST) | NUSS Member: $327.00
Public: $359.70 |
| Fees payable by Singaporean and PR aged 50 and above (Including GST) | NUSS Member: $87.00
Public: $95.70 |
| Remarks | *Course dates are subject to change
*A minimum of 15 participants is required for the workshop to commence *This course is eligible for SkillsFuture credits claim (for course fees only) *Please note that there is no refund and no replacement for lesson(s) missed |
