Ballet Memphis recently received community programming grants from the Parkinson’s Foundation for work that Kristen Lucas does with Parkinson’s patients.

Lucas is an adjunct faculty member in the UofM’s Department of Theatre and Dance. She’s also a board member of the 901 Parkinson’s Fighters.

Lucas says the grant money will help her and her colleague Julie Niekrasz expand the Dance for Parkinson’s program they teach. She says in the future, she hopes to work more with the Arts and Health Alliance, plus several students in her Dance and Diverse Settings class are doing internship hours with her Dance for Parkinson’s group.

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Symptoms usually worsen over time and include difficulty walking and talking.