Neuro Latino is a solo dance class featuring a variety of Latin dances. The dance lesson steps and tempo of the music are especially created for people with a neurological illness, but the classes are equally suitable for the elderly. Classes include step practice as well as learning short dance series. Neuro Latino also offers a web-based program that where dance classes can be attended according to your schedule, regardless of your location.

What is Neuro Latino?

Neuro Latino’s easy dance series, clear videos and music links can be found in the members’ section of the website, which you can access with a monthly fee. Individuals, nursing homes and assisted living housing groups can join the program as monthly or annual subscribers.

In autumn 2016, dance teachers Peppi Haapala and Tero Laakso discussed dance therapy and its benefits for brain function. They discovered there was nothing offered on a larger scale in Finland. “Pretty soon we found out that the kind of dance offering we set out to look for doesn’t exist or is contemporary dance or gymnastics based. So we decided to create our own dance exercise program, which we believe will be in high demand,” says Tero Laakso, a company shareholder.

Dancing is proven as a varied and effective exercise. Brain research confirms the positive impact of dance on brain health and well-being. Dancing and listening to music activates the brain extensively through various sensory channels. In dancing, we see another person or ourselves moving through a mirror, we hear music, we feel the movements of our body. We sense changes in the movements of our body, such as reaching for our hands, and changes in the direction of our movements. Exercise raises your heart rate and your muscles get stronger with regular training. Music evokes strong feelings and memories in us.

“Learning dance step patterns and choreographies engages attention and promotes the learning of new skills. The memory is also activated. During the dance class, we create contact and bonding with the other dancers – we all feel good!” explains Peppi Haapala, another partner in the company.

Dance research confirms that dance belongs to everyone. Dancing is highly recommended as an exercise for the elderly and people with neurological disease. For example, in Parkinson’s disease, dancing has a positive effect on the motor and non-motor symptoms of the illness. Dance is recommended as a supportive exercise for traditional rehabilitation like physiotherapy. It also promotes functional ability in many other neurological diseases, such as cerebrovascular disorders, memory disorders, and MS.

Why Neuro Latino?

Neuro Latino’s solo dance classes are designed for people with a neurological illness. They are also well suited for the elderly. The rhythms of the lessons have taken into account the rhythm of the music and suitability of dance series for special groups. The dances are adapted to their step patterns. You can take part in all Neuro Latino dances standing or sitting.

How to become a Neuro Latino Instructor/Dance Teacher?

Neuro Latino Oy organizes tailored instructor training to dance teachers, physiotherapists, sports instructors or other relevant professionals who are interested in running classes. The training gives you the tools to become familiar with the brain health and disease characteristics of specific groups, such as symptoms of Parkinson’s disease or memory disorders. Instructors will get information about the latest in the industry research on the health effects of dance and its relevance to the requirements of the target group. In the training, different choreographies for hourly sessions are practiced. Instructors will also be invited to an annual catch-up and training refresh. Please feel free to contact us and we would be happy to help!