Dear DWP Community,
As I reflect on the past year I am filled with gratitude, joy and excitement for what's to come.
Heading into our 15th anniversary, I could have never imagined that we would be dancing every single day of the year with thousands of seniors and those living with Parkinson's Disease from across the country.
Dance has brought us together and has broken down the barriers to human connection. We all belong no matter where we come from, what we face or where we are going.
Our community truly is a family, and I could not be more grateful for each and every one of you for expanding mine.
Looking back, the lessons learned, the friendships made and experiences shared, I am assured that we are heading on an incredible journey together.
In 2023, DWP continues our national expansion supported in part by the Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation as we continue to work with national community partners to spread joy, dance and connection both online and in-person.
We couldn't do this without you.
All the best,
Sarah Robichaud
Founder & Executive Director, DWP
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Last month, toronto.com featured a story on DWP on how our free, online daily dance classes are helping to alleviate social isolation for seniors through movement, while also providing accessible opportunities for seniors to stay connected, engaged and moving. You can read the full story here!
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ROM Field Trip
On December 1st, the ROM welcomed DWP dancers and their families to stroll the museum together for the second time this year. This special opportunity was made possible by our community partner, ROMCAN, who feel as strongly as we do about the importance of removing financial, social and cultural barriers to ensure access for our diverse communities.
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Singing with Parkinson's Workshop
Recently, our dancers participated in another powerful workshop with the one and only Paula Wolfson, renowned Canadian performer with a passion for singing with people living with PD. Group singing has long been proven to provide physical, emotional and social benefits. And for those with PD, it may increase vocal strength, breathing and swallowing control.
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If there's one thing we know how to do really well here at DWP, it's having a little fun... And thoughout the fall there was no shortage of that! From dress-up theme days to special opportunities to connect and chat, this year feels like one that will go down in the history books as memorable beyond measure.
We can't wait for even more of all of this magic in 2023!
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In late December, DWP was invited to join a seniors fitness class in Regent park to lead a dance and movement demonstration. We're excited to announce that later this month, we will be starting a free weekly in-person DWP class in Regent Park with this group of enthusiastic dancers! Stay tuned for details!
Many thanks to the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) for introducing us to an incredible team of community organizers all of whom have been paramount in helping us get this class started.
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DWP is thrilled to offer free in-person classes in the following communities:
For more information on our classes, and to sign up, please visit our website here.
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DWP is passionate about introducing our fun and beneficial program to new dancers near and far by offering free demo classes everywhere! To inquire about a demo class for your group, please email us.
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With a vision of sharing the DWP program with all seniors across Canada, we are committed to making our online classes as accessible as possible. In order to ensure that your needs are being met and that your voice is being heard, we have launched a new survey through our evaluation partners at the Centre for Complex Health Interventions. We would greatly appreciate your anonymous feedback. Sharing your experiences will inform how we can continue to improve our online programs and engage more communities of people living with PD and seniors in Canada.
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Thank you to all of our incredible Slice of Life contributors this year!
We loved learning a bit more about you.
Our Slice of Life series offers opportunities for DWP participants to share stories, life experiences, hobbies and passions for all of us to get to know one another better and possibly, learning something new. These workshops take place every other Tuesday, immediately following the daily dance class.
If you are interested in sharing a slice of your life, please contact akhil@dancingwithparkinsons.com.
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Healthy Food Choices Workshop
We are excited to announce a special opportunity: "Healthy Food Choices: Recipes, cooking demonstrations & conversation". In partnership with the Neighbours project, this workshop will feature Geremy Capone, wellness chef at ELLICSR: Health, Wellness and Cancer Survivorship Center of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Details about this series will be announced soon!
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Dancers at Caroline Place!
Thank you to the Caroline Place community for continuing to dance with us on ZOOM! We love seeing your residents actively participate in our Daily Dance Connect program. Your energy and enthusiasm shines through the virtual airwaves!
Would you or a community that you are part of like to join us for a virtual dance class? We would love to have you! Click here to learn more.
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“Thank you again for giving this gift to us. It is just phenomenal. It helped me so much releasing the feelings within me and give me such positive feelings about my disease.”
- In-Studio Participant
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“Our thanks to you for making it possible for us to join the Zoom online dance class this morning. We really enjoyed it. So much good - so much happiness added to our quiet days.”
- Zoom Participant
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Come celebrate 15 years of movement and connection with us!
DWP is celebrating a huge milestone this year: 15 years of dance, self-expression and connection. On March 5th, our annual fundraising event will be hosted by the AGO, and we will be dancing to the legendary music of Leonard Cohen.
We will be gathering in-person and online so our whole DWP family from across the country can participate!
It is through your support that we are able to continue to offer free daily dance classes for all! Your generosity not only keeps people dancing, you are helping to spread joy and create community for those who need it the most.
Stay tuned for details on how to participate!
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