9 October 2025
Every Thursday at our Duhig Village residential care home, the music is loud, feet are tapping, and arms are moving in rhythm under the guidance of dance and movement specialist, Katrina. Residents join in each week, proving that age is no barrier to the joy of dance.
Katrina brings a wealth of experience to the program. Having worked with Queensland Ballet and now teaching with Dance for Parkinson’s Queensland, she specialises in dance for older people and understands the power of movement to enhance mobility, health, and wellbeing.
Dance for Parkinson’s Australia is internationally recognised for its evidence-based approach, with published research showing the positive impact of dance as a therapeutic intervention for people living with Parkinson’s. Classes led by trained professionals like Katrina support not only physical health but also confidence, social connection, and emotional wellbeing.
The “Goldies” group at Duhig Village was born from the vision of four residents living with Parkinson’s, who wanted to share the benefits they had experienced through movement with their neighbours. Their idea has blossomed into a regular, uplifting activity that now attracts a broader group of residents.
Each week, Katrina curates music that sparks joy and connection, from timeless classics to upbeat favourites. By the end of the class, participants are moving and singing together as if they’ve been rehearsing for years.
At Duhig Village, the Goldies are more than a dance group, they are a shining example of how creativity, movement, and community can bring people together and support living well at every stage of life.
