Performing With Parkinson’s: Leaving Traces

Abstract

Abstract This article aims to explore the experiences of eight dancers, who have Parkinson’s disease (PD), with dance as a performative form of the arts. The data of this qualitative research consists of a semi-structured online questionnaire and a focus group discussion. The data was analyzed using inductive thematic content analysis and approached in an abductive manner in the context of social identity theory. Two main themes emerged from the analysis: embodied social connectedness and de-medicalization of PD. The current study emphasizes social factors regarding identity while performing with PD. The findings indicate that the dancers’ experiences of watching and being watched refer to a communicative body and its dialogical relationship with other bodies. In conclusion, dancing is experienced as an embodied language with which to communicate, allowing the individual to explore how to become visible in a social environment without one’s social identity being tied to PD but with one’s personal identity. Furthermore, the core of the performative experience is artistry, defined as a limitless entity that metaphorically leaves traces, connecting us as human beings. However, further studies with a larger number of participants would be beneficial.