Dance for people with Parkinson's

URBANA, Ill.  (WAND) - Parkinson's Disease affects a person's ability to move and causes loss of balance.

Although there is no cure for the disease, there are many ways to help relive symptoms — and one of them is dancing. 

Every month, the Krannert Center in Urbana hosts "Dance for People with Parkinson's."

Dance instructors Kate Insolia and Laura Chiaramonte say the class focuses on expanding motion outside of everyday movements.

"Their muscles are constricting and their muscles become very tight," Chiaramonte says. "We want to get them to reach out into space and reach out through their arms and legs."

The class helps to improve balance, flexibility and strength. 

"You're kind of feeling awkward and out of control, but you get to come together and move together with music in a very graceful, beautiful way," Insolia says.

Jim and Maxine Kaler have been attending the class almost every month. 

"I feel so good now," Jim Kaler says. "It will fade, but being good for an hour is a lot better than not."

Jim is 79 years old. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's seven years ago. 

"It's muscular and every part of the body is affected by muscles in some way or another," Maxine says. 

The couple has been married for 58 years, and Maxine has attended every class with her husband. 

"That's the deal," Maxine Kaler says. "That's what you promise each other when you get married."

Anyone interested in attending the class can find more information by visiting krannertcenter.com.