Tango Therapy

With its complex footwork patterns and precision timing, the tango has become a popular therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease. (Marcelo Lombardi)

Patients before class, with teacher Verónica Alegre doing exercises to warm up muscles. The idea behind tango therapy is dancing may relieve symptoms of Parkinson's, and may even slow its progression. (Marcelo Lombardi)

Parkinson's patients following tango steps. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. Cells in the part of the brain that control muscle movement are destroyed, leaving patients with a host of symptoms that include tremors, loss of balance, stiff limbs and frequent falls. (Marcelo Lombardi)

Before the therapy begins, patients and teacher speak about their improvements. Following research showing how tango benefits people with Parkinson’s disease, this alternative therapy began to find a serious place in medical history.   (Marcelo Lombardi)

Teacher Verónica Alegre tries to introduce them to a new exercise. Tango movements are not easy for people who have the disease.   (Fundación Tango Argentino )

“The most important thing is not how much we improve our movements, but that we enjoy it and laugh together,” said Liliana Scioscia, 61, who has Parkinson's and is a member of the therapy group (Marcelo Lombardi)

Damian De La Torre, the foundation's director, with tango therapy teacher Verónica Alegre.  (Marcelo Lombardi)