June 14, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
Rachelle Smith-Stallman’s passions are dance, choreography, teaching, and performing. She is presently teaching DANCE BEYOND PARKINSON’S and LET’S DANCE. She has a BUS in dance from the University of New Mexico and a MS in Dance Therapy (board certified) from Hunter College. She is a NYS Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and a certified IMPROVment® instructor from Wake Forest University. She has participated in many professional development training courses in Dance for PD from the Mark Morris Dance Group in Brooklyn, NY.
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with Parkinson’s awareness.
I fell in love with dance in college at the University of New Mexico. My love of working with people and my love of dance naturally led me to get my MS in Dance/Movement Therapy. I’ve danced with many different populations over the years including new moms and babies, children with autism, teens with very troubled lives, alcohol, and drug rehab and now, Parkinson’s. I participated in many professional development training courses with the Mark Morris Dance Group, Dance for PD, and I also became a certified IMPROVment® instructor about a year and a half ago. This technique blends dance and neuroscience and is a great addition to my many years of dancing. It allows me to give the best class possible for my Parkinson’s dancers.
I became involved with Parkinson’s because 3 people who are close to me were diagnosed with the disease.
Can you tell me more about your organization?
I volunteered to teach dance classes to the local Parkinson’s community and soon after, some members were willing to send me to study with the Mark Morris Dance Group, which is very well known for their dance for pd program. Dance Beyond Parkinson’s became part of the Capital District Parkinson’s Support Group and Help for PD. The groups provide moral support to people with Parkinson’s and their care givers, and acts a a resource center for those who want to live well with PD.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
Dance is one of my passions, of course! and as mentioned earlier, I became involved in Parkinson’s Awareness because people close to me were diagnosed with the disease.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
That’s a great question! I know every one of my dancers wants to feel alive!!!!! They want better balance, more flexibility, to feel more graceful, they want to have FUN!!!!!!
What type of training and how long are the programs?
My classes meet for 1 hour every week! Once on zoom, and once live in person at a local fitness center here in Albany, NY.
What effect can Dance beyond Parkinson’s have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
It’s a great mood booster, it’s being in the moment, and you mix that together with better balance, flexibility, feeling more relaxed, and it culminates in an overall sense of well-being and accomplishment.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your program?
I recently applied for a grant to choreograph a dance for my dancers including their caregivers, friends, and relatives. I hope I get it! I would also like there to be enough funding to offer my class in other areas in the capital district.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
The caregivers have as much fun in my class as the people with Parkinson’s. We all know that physical activity makes you feel good. Pair dancing, relaxation, and creativity with some great music, and you can’t go wrong! Also, for everyone in the class there’s a feeling that you’re not alone. Everyone is very supportive of one another.
What type of music do you like to play during the lessons?
I play it all, classics, soul, funk, French, Middle Eastern, rock, punk, jazz. I love to listen to music, so my playlists are always different, I’ve never played the same playlist twice in 6 yrs. I also take requests!
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
The best way to get in touch would be by email. rss@nycap.rr.com
You can follow Dance Beyond Parkinson’s on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/reel/201324002403259
and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dance_beyond_parkinsons/
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Crank up your favorite music and DANCE! We are all hoping for a cure soon!