Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of
dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Dance involves highly developed
sensorimotor control, and many theories advocate its beneficial effects in
neurodegenerative conditions. By drawing a parallel between the areas of the brain
activated by dance and those affected by PD, we can understand the growing interest
in dance as an adjuvant therapy. A robust body of evidence, based on extensive neural
stimulation, points to the benefits of its practice on brain health in aging and
neurodegenerative conditions, with various mechanisms elucidated in humans and
animal models, for example, changes in the expression of neurotrophins, epigenetic
and metabolic alterations. This work aims to discuss the neural basis of dance, with a
focus on its therapeutic potential in the rehabilitation of people with PD.
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