Dear <<First Name>>,

If you could see me now, you’d see one very happy face: beaming from ear to ear, reflecting on the month that was September. It was, perhaps, one of the most significant periods of growth for DWP.

We traveled west and east, we trained volunteers, we danced with new friends, we got to meet, in-person, so many Zoom dancers from different parts of our country, and we are learning! Learning how to scale up, replicate and share DWP’s impactful movement program with new communities so that those who need it most have access to the same level of excellence that we offer in the greater Toronto area.

Our expansion began in Winnipeg, where, in collaboration with the U-Turn Parkinson’s movement team, we launched our first weekly, in-person dance class outside of Ontario. This class will be taught by DWP trained instructor Brenda Gorlick, and will be a very special opportunity for local dancers to come together as a community on a regular basis.

It was heartwarming to reconnect, brainstorm and dance with the Founder of U-Turn Parkinson’s, (and winner of the first season of the Amazing Race Canada!), Tim Hague Sr. I savoured the opportunity to hug our Winnipeg-based Zoom dancers who I have loved getting to know “virtually” over the years! Moments like these serve as a beautiful reminder that dance has a unique power to foster meaningful bonds.

Another memorable highlight was being invited to the home of Keith Strachan, who regularly joins DWP’s online classes, to lead the Daily Dance Connect from his living room! Keith blew me away with his impressive moves – you’d think we had practiced the choreography beforehand! He and his wife Cheryl  made me feel so welcome – I didn't want to leave!

From Winnipeg, the DWP team and I got on the road bound for Ottawa! We were so touched when Kanta Marwah, DWP Zoom dancer and hugely accomplished woman living with PD, reached out earlier in the summer inviting us to visit her in the nation’s capital. Our time with Kanta, dancing together for the Daily Dance Connect and learning her remarkable story, was nothing less than an absolute gift.

While in Ottawa we also connected with other Ottawa-based partners to deliver demo classes with our incredible local teachers, Kathleen Legassick and Nancy Pidgeon. We were moved to dance together in-person, and I especially loved getting to know more of you during our after class chats. We are absolutely thrilled to announce that regular weekly DWP classes will be starting in Ottawa this Fall! Stay tuned for details!

Heading into October, our hearts are full, our minds are buzzing and our feet are itchy to keep going! We have never felt more ready to step into this exciting phase of DWP’s ongoing expansion across Canada. Next stop…PEI! (As an aside: I was reminded in both Winnipeg and Ottawa that my online persona is apparently “taller” than my real-life stature, so get ready, PEI: I’ll be coming for you in high heels!)

We are forever changed and deeply grateful for your trust, your openness and your support. It is with you in our minds and in our hearts that we continue to stretch and grow DWP’s mission to improve the quality of life and resilience of our dancers through the limitless transformative power of dance. Thank you for joining us on this exciting ride!

My best,

Sarah Robichaud
Founder & CEO