Sample Class Activities

• Explore use of gestures in daily communications, including small, medium and large movements.
• Practice facial isolation exercises to override diminished facial expressivity.
• Employ small finger and hand exercises to improve fine motor skills.
• Review the Six Mime Principles to examine participants’ movement challenges.
• Apply the Three Mime Concepts by creating and using everyday objects in mime as illusions (e.g. eating, getting dressed, carrying an object across the room, etc.).
• Circus Games to help strengthen large motor skills, balance and flexibility, while also having fun.

Participants’ Reactions to Mime Over Mind

“I was excited to field test [the] Mime over Mind videos. I loved them. They were easy to follow, adaptable to any ability level and can be done anywhere without equipment. I even practiced [the] ‘waking up my hands’ [exercise] while waiting in the doctor’s office. Most importantly, it develops new connections between your mind and body. A warning though. When you are doing the Space Substance video and you throw the imaginary ball, keep your dog out of the room or she will try to catch it like my lab Dakota did.”

“I liked that it is accessible for most people; i.e. no cost or expensive equipment, and above all that it is fun.”

“…The instruction was clear, using direct language with lots of imagery. The black background was a great choice, allowing me to focus on the instruction and movements which made it easy for me to pay attention and follow along. The tasks chosen were interesting and useful.”

“I think that these exercises would work well in a group. They’re fun to do! I also enjoyed Barbara’s clear and calm presentation, and her demonstrations of how to do the exercises.”

“Examples were given to modify for different stages of mobility. The lessons were performed by someone living with PD… As well, they were presented at a slower pace so we are able to process and follow along.”