Clearwater studio offers dance classes to fight dementia

CLEARWATER (FOX 13) - A 2003 study led by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City found that dancing may drastically reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Based on this research, seniors are being encouraged to take part in classes and events centered around dancing.

In support of an initiative to get more seniors onto the dance floor, the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Clearwater will offer eight weeks of ballroom dance classes for members of the community who live with memory loss, as well as their care partners, friends, and family.

The classes will be every Tuesday at 7 p.m. June 19 - August 7 and participants will learn a variety of dance styles and meet new people.

Staff at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio say the classes are a great opportunity for seniors to be active and social and help halt the progression of memory loss.

Arthur Murray International says it will donate $1 for every ballroom dance lesson taken June 18 - 23 at any Arthur Murray Dance Center around the world - up to $25,000.

In addition to the money donated by the Arthur Murray Organization as a whole, the owners of Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Clearwater, Lania and Michael Berger will add an additional donation of $4 for every lesson taken in their studio during the week of June 21. 

For more information call 727-786-2224 or email ArthurMurrayClearwater@gmail.com. The Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Clearwater is located at 25032 US Hwy. 19 N., Clearwater, FL 33763.