Ballroom Basics for BalanceTM (affectionately
and necessarily referred to as “BB4B”) is a balance class
that uses basic dance movements to help people learn about
and practice better balance and falls prevention. Currently
it is conducted by Susan Frikken, DPT, LMT and Darcie Olson,
PhD, OTR.
This class was born out of an inpatient PT session with a
(bored!) man at a skilled nursing facility. While holding on
to his gait belt, stepping laterally, forward, and backward,
Susan thought, “If only we had music! We’re doing the
rumba!”
In the spring of 2014, we – a few recruited PT colleagues
and PT students who worked in dance or with older adults –
held our first class through the Madison (Wisconsin) Senior
Center. Since then, we’ve held two classes per year,
expanding enough to move to the beautiful Madison Public
Library. Both city organizations support community
programming; we are part of a symbiotic, supportive system,
a crucial element in the success of the course. Since our
inception we have invited physical therapy and occupational
therapy and occupational therapy assistant students to
volunteer with us as a hands-on learning experience. We have
had other community members and students volunteer, as well.
This turned out to be another critical piece of what works
so well: Intergenerational engagement – it is a consistent
part of what the participants love about the class.
In addition to moving, we deconstruct the dances to
illustrate – verbally as well as physically – elements of
good balance practice in all dimensions. The other side of
the coin is safe mobility instruction and incorporating the
evidence of a multidisciplinary approach to falls
prevention.
Another unique element of this class is pre- and post-
testing. We use enhanced static and dynamic balance screens
(“4-Stage Balance” and the “Timed Up & Go”) as well as a
cognitive screen (Trail Making Test) and a quality of life
test to 1) educate the participants about their strengths
and potential falls risks, and help them start a
conversation with their health care providers, and 2)
collect data to make our curriculum the best it can be, and
to contribute to evidence and best practices.
We have identified an increasing number of research studies
supporting dance, especially in a community setting, as a
contributor to a healthy lifestyle, including improving
balance and cognitive function. We plan to publish our own
findings from this course in 2018 and to continue to be an
example of a community-based falls prevention program that
is fun and effective.
We continue to train new leaders to help us spread this fun
class, in hopes that other communities will have the chance
to enhance balance and overall health while engaging in
social activities.
Our fifth Lead Instructor class will be
held on Saturday 28 October 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. We
offer CEUs to professional and student PT/As, OT/As and
invite other professionals who work with older adults, or
who have fitness or dance backgrounds. Once completed,
professionals may take the class anytime for free as a
refresher. We hope to both offer the course in more
locations, and that professionals will incorporate elements
of the class into their own efforts. We are also growing a
community, able to support one another in our disparate
efforts!
We hope to improve our ability to serve diverse populations
and to spread the message that practice and prevention
really do work. And it can be fun!
There are many more details on our website at:
www.ballroombasicsforbalance.org!
Last revised: September 24, 2017
by
Susan Frikken, DPT, LMT
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