NeuroBallet is a new discipline combining classical ballet, neuroscience, biomechanics, and movement performance. As part of the Parkinson Power Protocol (PPP), it’s designed for individuals with Parkinsonism and movement disorders. Developed by Gaia Forlani, an ex-professional dancer with extensive training from renowned ballet masters, NeuroBallet merges her expertise in ballet and neuroscience to address Parkinson’s challenges, transforming movement therapy through the fusion of art and science.
NeuroBallet creates movement that heals and empowers.
Sign Up for NeuroBallet™
Please fill out this form to sign up for NeuroBallet™. Select your desired offer and provide your preferences for the trial class. Once submitted, we will contact you to book your trial session. Please note that our live classes are currently only available in person in the Netherlands, or digitally within the Parkinson Power Protocol curriculum.
The Creation of NeuroBallet
Gaia Forlani combines her expertise in Sensorimotor, Clinical, and Movement Neuroscience with a rich background in ballet training and performance to create NeuroBallet. She holds a professional ballet diploma in affiliation with the national academy of Rome (AFAM-MIUR) and has trained under world-renowned masters from La Scala, La Fenice, Cuba National Ballet, and the Royal Ballet. This unique fusion of ballet and neuroscience equips NeuroBallet to effectively address the complex challenges faced by Parkinson’s patients, offering a method that bridges the gap between art and science.
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NeuroBallet for PD has been specifically designed to target Parkinson’s symptoms. While dance is recognized for its therapeutic benefits in Parkinson’s care, ballet has not been fully explored as a treatment—until now. NeuroBallet combines classical ballet techniques with strength conditioning, sensory neurofeedback, floor work, functional range mobility and proprioceptive training, all adapted for Parkinson’s patients.
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NeuroBallet focuses on unilateral and asymmetric training, before addressing bilateral coordination and integration. This approach improves both the motor capacity and performance of the most affected side of the body, while preserving and boosting the motor reserve of the less affected side of the body in PD. Overall, it improves coordination, balance and stability, reactiveness, fluidity, mobility, motor control, memory and cognitive functions.
The method helps maintaining functionality, enhancing symptoms as rigidity, tremor and slow movements, walking impairments, etc. It contributes in slowing down the disease degenerative process through ballet's refined and structured movements.
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Each NeuroBallet session is designed with Parkinson’s patients in mind, using ballet exercises that are both physically and cognitively stimulating. A typical class includes:
Complete Ballet Barre: Adapted classical ballet exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Floor Barre: Low-impact, ground-based exercises for muscle strengthening and motor control.
Conditioning & Resistance Training: Ballet-specific strength training tailored for PD patients.
Centre Training: Exercises focused on balance, core strength, and coordination, often using chairs for additional support.
Neurofeedback & Proprioceptive Training: Techniques like mirror therapy and visualization to improve movement control and awareness.
Mobility & Stretching
Music & rhythmic exercises, and memory sequences are also integrated into each session to stimulate cognitive function via a complete sensory integration.
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NeuroBallet is a crucial component of the larger Parkinson Power Protocol (PPP), a comprehensive approach to managing Parkinson’s disease. By combining NeuroBallet with the full PPP—which includes physical exercise, nutrition, education, and mental coaching—patients can address a wide range of symptoms and improve their quality of life. Together, NeuroBallet and PPP offer a holistic, personalized system designed to maintain strength, mobility, and independence for those with Parkinson’s disease.