Dear <<First Name>>,
This past month has been filled with daily reminders of how our program offers so much more than "just" dance classes. The movement and music, the regular routine and exercise that has brought us together have created a gateway to deep and meaningful connections. The interesting and engaging conversations that take place between dancers before and after classes are truly lovely, and fill my heart with such joy and gratitude.
Looking back to June, a month when we focus on the importance of celebrating people exactly as they are, I reflect on the warmth, beauty and openness of this wonderful community. Thank you for being such a vital part of creating a safe and welcoming space, both online and in-person.
We were privileged to meet so many new dancers this month, and to continue working with our partners to expand access to our programming in thoughtful and sustainable ways, especially for those most in need of joy and movement.
This July I am very excited to be heading to the World Parkinson's Congress in Barcelona with Jessica, DWP's amazing Director of Outreach and Engagement, where we will meet current and prospective dancers and partners working in the Parkinson's community.
On behalf of DWP, I will be presenting a poster summarizing our results from our latest evaluation measuring the impact of online dance classes which we completed in partnership with The Evaluation Centre for Complex Health Interventions. DWP board member, Dr. Lorraine Kalia, will also be delivering a number of talks at the conference speaking to drug repurposing for PD therapies. We are looking forward to learning as much as we can about new developments in Parkinson's research and care. We can't wait to tell you all about our discoveries when we return!
Until then, have a wonderful start to the summer. We look forward to dancing with you, wherever you are.
My best,
Sarah Robichaud
Founder and Executive Director
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"You just never know who is going to show up at your door..."
One sunny Tuesday in June, in the middle of her workday, Sarah received a knock on her door. Assuming it was a delivery she was expecting she popped down the stairs expecting a quick hand off. Instead, much to her absolute surprise, there on her front stoop, was Glenda Doucet Boudreau, a regular Daily Dance Connect dancer who Zooms in all the way from Nova Scotia!
Glenda, who was recently invited to join Parkinson Canada's "Parkinson Advisory Council", had driven all the way from the east coast to Toronto to attend an introductory Council meeting.
Sarah and Glenda caught up "in real life", and Jess, Lisa and Lindsay from the DWP team had the pleasure of joining their visit.
Glenda, your surprise was a truly magic moment, and exemplifies the power of connection, both online and in-person. After all, if we had never moved to a virtual platform during COVID, we wouldn't have had the opportunity to get to know Glenda through the Daily Dance Connect, and she would never have shown up to fill Sarah's heart.
We are grateful for you, Glenda, and we wish you all the very best in your exciting and important new role with Parkinson Canada.
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The "Bridging Generations Through Dance" Project
On June 12, grade 1 and 2 students from Forest Hill Public School joined the in-person dance class at Trinity St. Paul Centre for an opportunity to connect with DWP dancers and move together to music. Much like our time with the kids from the Rosedale Day School, we had the very special opportunity to watch magic unfold in the form of creativity and artistic-expression that transcends generations.
DWP's connection to Forest Hill Public School is particularly unique... During the pandemic, Wing-Yee Hui, an elementary school teacher, discovered the Daily Dance Connect and would log in occasionally to enjoy dancing with the virtual community. At some point along the way she decided to introduce her students to her dance world, and they would join from their classroom. After, they would chat about how dance made them feel.
When Wing-Yee shared this moving story, we knew right away that this was our next Intergenerational Dance Project. Together with the kids from Sarah's son Tofino's class at RDS, we couldn't have imagined a more curious, engaged and expressive group for this special program. Watching the children and dancers share and learn from each other reminds us of the powerful connections we can make through shared experience. And the ageless, limitless potential of moving together to music, in-person or online to foster connection, understanding and compassion between generations and across all mediums.
We are thrilled to share the "Bridging Generations Through Dance" project with you. Click here to watch the highlight reel (3 minutes), or to watch the full video (10 minutes), click here.
Very special thanks to the grades 1 and 2 students and teachers from the Rosedale Day School and Forest Hill Public School, and all of DWP's dancers for your being so beautifully open, willing and enthusiastic.
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We are thrilled to welcome Brenda Gorlick to the DWP teaching team!
Brenda has been a professional performing artist since she was 16. A graduate of a specialty program at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB), Brenda shifted into musical theatre in her 20’s – a field which combines her vocal and acting skills with her extensive and varied dance abilities. She has worked across Canada and in parts of Europe and the Middle East as an actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, director and producer. Some of her career highlights include the production of the Pan Am Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies featuring the RWB, Canadian Armed Show Tours as Choreographer/Producer, the Arctic Winter Games as Director of the Cultural Gala, the 2022 Negev Gala and, most recently, a series of Hallmark movies.
Brenda is the Artistic Director for StudioWorks Academy, the training wing of Winnipeg Studio Theatre. She is the Dance Director of Manitoba Possible’s All Abilities Dancers, and works with MAC’s Artist in Schools Program. She also serves as dance professor at the University of Winnipeg. She is proud of her affiliation as Board member for the DTRC (Dancer Transition Resource Centre) and Creative Manitoba’s Youth Mentorship program.
Trained in the Dance for PD® Method, Brenda is one of DWP's newest teachers! In partnership with U-Turn Parkinson's in Winnipeg, Brenda will be leading our first in-person dance class outside of Ontario in Fall 2023. We are delighted that you have joined us, Brenda, and cannot wait to experience the magic that you and the Winnipeg community will create!
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New In-person and Online Class launching in Winnipeg this Fall!
As part of our expansion across Canada, DWP is thrilled to be partnering with U-Turn Parkinson’s to offer in-person and online dance classes in Winnipeg starting this Fall.
In June, we had the pleasure of meeting new dancers who joined us for a demo class with Brenda Gorlick (see above!). There really is nothing like music and movement to bring a community together. Click here to view an excerpt from our time dancing online and in-person, direct from Winnipeg!
Thank you for welcoming us, U-Turn Parkinson's. We can’t wait to dance with you all again very soon!
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Parkinson's in the Park is On!
We've had some glorious days dancing outside at Coronation Park in Oakville with Parkinson’s in the Park in partnership with Passion for Parkinson's (TM).
We would love to have you join us! Click here to register for this class.
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Dancing Demos with DWP!
We have been having such a fantastic time travelling around to longterm care homes and connecting with new communities through in-person and online demo classes. This past month we met dancers at Kensington Gardens and a PD Support Group in PEI! We loved sharing the joy and benefits of dance with you.
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Dancing together in Ottawa!
This year, Dancing with Parkinson's has been offering virtual classes to members of the Pinecrest Queensway Community Health Centre, a multicultural seniors program located in Ottawa. In response to interest from participants, DWP is working with a wonderful local DWP instructor, Kathleen Legassick, to offer in-person classes for the Pinecrest community!
Stay tuned for details and information on how to join us in-person in Ottawa later this year.
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Learning and Dancing @ NYGH
Founder Sarah Robichaud will be providing a talk and demo class on July 11th at North York General Hospital for the participants of The Fanny Bernstein Living Well with Parkinson’s Program.
This 8-week series is an education, exercise and support program for clients living with PD and their caregivers. It promotes a better understanding of how to manage Parkinson’s disease symptoms to improve quality of life and maximize independence.
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What's happening next?
Over the month of July, DWP teachers will be leading presentations and demo classes at a number of locations around the greater Toronto area including Schlegel Villages Humber Heights, Woodgreen Community Services, and for careworkers at the Jeff and Diane Ross Movement Disorder Clinic.
We are grateful for the opportunity to share DWP's work and to engage new participants as we move together to music.
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DWP is passionate about introducing our fun and beneficial program to new dancers by offering free demo classes, presentations and webinars! For more information about booking one for your group, please email us.
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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.
We want to hear your story! If you are interested in sharing a slice of your life, please contact akhil@dancingwithparkinsons.com.
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DWP’s founder, Sarah, was honoured to participate in the Ontario Brain Institute's panel on Brain Health Basics: Movement for Brain Health. Together with other industry researchers and practitioners, the conversation focused on insightful and science-supported ways to support brain function through daily movement, and the benefits it has on overall health and mental well-being.
Sarah led guests through an engaging and uplifting movement exercise, similar to those she teaches in a DWP class, providing guests with the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of dance as a gateway to connection, for themselves.
Thank you OBI for this very opportunity to contribute to this important conversation.
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"Dancing with Parkinson’s” (DWP) has become part of many residents’ daily activities — they join as a group or participate from their own rooms. We hear feedback almost daily about how much residents are enjoying the exercises and music, but also the socializing before and after the class itself. All of the instructors have different dance and teaching styles, but they all bring joy into seniors lives. I hope this program keeps growing.”
- Heather Cozens, Recreation Manager @ Caroline Place Retirement Residence
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OUR DANCE AND ARTISTIC PROGRAMS ARE FREE OF CHARGE THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF OUR DONORS.
PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING DWP'S MISSION TO SHARE THE JOY AND BENEFITS OF MOVEMENT, CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY WITH PEOPLE LIVING WITH PARKINSON'S AND SENIORS ACROSS CANADA.
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