Our School Workshops | Our Corporate Workshop | Our Health & Well-being Workshops
For over 10 years The HopeWorks Connection has been providing drum and dance workshops to community organizations, senior facilities and mental health support groups. Our inspiring, fun-filled workshops are lead by teachers and alumni of The Toronto Children’s Concert Choir & Performing Arts Company.
Medical scientists have shown that drumming alleviates the body’s response to stress and increases the disease fighting activity of circulating white blood cells called Natural Killer Cells.
Alternative Therapies, Vol. 7, No. 1
More and more research is showing that the health benefits of drumming reduce emotional, physical and mental stress and produce a deep feeling of well-being.
What makes Afro-Caribbean drumming unique is that the drums are user-friendly so anyone can play them. Participants usually see fast results. After only 20 to 30 drummers will feel more relaxed and energized. For both the dance and drum workshops no musical or dance ability or experience is needed. It is an even playing field for the young and old, male and female and novices and experts.
A group of studies found that older adults can boost their immune function, reversing age-related declines, by making music as participants in drumming circles.
Psychologist Daniel Levitin at McGill University – CBC News, April 1st, 2013.
Research is showing that drumming can be particularly helpful for seniors – including those who suffer from dimished fine motor skills, Alzheimer, dementia and Parkinson.
It’s also beneficial for developmentally delayed adults, at risk youth and individuals who suffer from PSTD, anxiety or depression.
Some reduction in PTSD symptoms was observed following drumming, especially increased sense of openness, togetherness, belonging, sharing, closeness, connectedness and intimacy, as well as achieving a non-intimidating access to traumatic memories, facilitating an outlet for rage and regaining a sense of self-control.
Drumming Through Trauma: Music Therapy with Post Traumatic Soldiers. Moshe Bensimon, Ph.D., Dorit Amer, D.A., ACMT, Yuval Wolf, Ph.D. The Arts in Psychotherapy – 35 (2008) 34-38.
BENEFITS FOR YOUR HEALTH & WELL-BEING.
- Boosts immune system.
- Releases emotional, physical and mental stress.
- Improves motor skills, mobility and posture.
- Produces relaxation.
- Betters over-all mood and increases self-esteem.
- Improves concentration.
- An engaging physical activity.
- Channels aggressive impulses into a positive activity.
- Promotes social inclusion.
For more information please call 416-939-1702 or email info@hopeworkconnections.ca