Dear <<First Name>>,
As I look forward to this Fall and reflect on the continued growth of DWP, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the community of care and compassion that we are building together. Each person who shows up every day, exactly as they are in the moment, is, in my opinion, the truest form of being human. It takes courage and bravery to step into discomfort: to try something new, to turn the camera on, to “unmute” and share. It is this collective humanity that unites us.
This past month, I had the great honour of being interviewed by Dr. Reji Mathew, PhD, Writer, Registered Expressive Arts Therapist, Mental Health Educator, Expressive Arts Educator and Advocate, Intermodal Artist AND a person living with a disability. Reji has found a way through the arts to heal, build resilience and improve her own quality of life.
We spoke about the critical importance of accessibility in the arts, and how the DWP program is a gateway to connection, vitality and potential. Through movement we give ourselves permission to explore versions of ourselves that we have yet to discover. As Reji said so perfectly, "We are not 'one way'. We are constantly evolving and growing, discovering and becoming."
When framed this way, it became very clear that the DWP program is so much more than just a “dance class”. It is a critical public health intervention where expansive movement, connection and transformation are available to all who join, no matter their age, experience, or ability. DWP aims to provide an anchor where participants feel the beauty and joy of self-expression, and experience the boundless capacity of the human spirit.
Our team of instructors, volunteers and staff is more committed than ever to help take DWP to the next level. We will continue to dance together in-person and online while increasing access to opportunities for participants to experience hope, transformation and awe.
Which is exactly how I feel: awed. I am in awe of this community, of how far we have come, and of the potential of what we are creating together.
My best,
Sarah Robichaud
Founder & CEO
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On Tuesday, September 19th, our founder Sarah Robichaud will be heading to Winnipeg to launch DWP's first in-person class outside of Ontario! In partnership with U-Turn Parkinson's and led by DWP instructor Brenda Gorlick, this U-Turn PD/DWP collaborative program is a milestone step in DWP's expansion across Canada.
U-Turn Parkinson's is an exceptional program founded by Tim Hague Sr., who, two years after being diagnosed with PD, won the first Amazing Race Canada in 2013! U-Turn PD is on a mission to empower people living with Parkinson’s in their pursuit of wellness, engagement and exercise. We couldn't be happier to help add dancing to their repertoire.
Are you in the Winnipeg area? Come and dance with Brenda and U-Turn Parkinson's on Tuesdays at 11:30am CDT starting September 19, 2023! For more information and to register, click here.
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This Fall, one of DWP's newest teachers, Phoebe Chu, will be leading in-person dance classes at Woodgreen Seniors Active Living Centre in both English and Cantonese!
Phoebe has been volunteering with DWP since 2018, and recently completed the Dance for PD introductory teacher training course with Sarah Robichaud and David Leventhal. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Phoebe obtained her BFA degree in dance from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, majoring in modern dance and choreography. Upon graduation, Phoebe danced and toured professionally with the City Contemporary Dance Company. She completed her Masters degree in Cultural Management and expanded her interest to organizing performing arts community projects for people of all ages, cultures and abilities.
We are so happy to welcome Phoebe to DWP's teaching team to continue her dream of sharing her passion for dance with people from all walks of life!
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In partnership with the Neighbours Project, an initiative of the Health Commons Solutions Lab, DWP is honoured to deliver new in-person and online programming, facilitating opportunities for older adults to experience social connection and community through dance and movement within familiar spaces in North York and Downtown East neighbourhoods.
Over the past year, our collaborative programming included specialized dance and movement workshops and even online cooking demonstrations with Geremy Capone! The response to these activities were exceptionally positive: on average, 95% of participants highly agreed that they enjoyed the sessions, and 77% of participants reported that they plan to make changes to their life to improve healthy habits as a result.
Stay tuned for exciting news as we continue to build this important and impactful partnership!
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Happy Birthday to Leonard, a true community hero!
This past year we had the privilege to meet and start working with Leonard Schwartz to offer movement classes in the Regent Park community. A champion for seniors, Leonard has tirelessly volunteered his time with Friends of Regent Park, creating opportunities to stay active and connected.
Leonard: happy birthday to you! Thank you for your leadership and for welcoming DWP into your Regent Park family. We are so grateful for your endless energy and enthusiasm, your huge heart, and for initiating a birthday fundraising campaign to help keep DWP classes free of charge!
Curious about our Regent Park class? We’d love for you to join us on Wednesdays at 3pm! For more info and to register for this class, click here.
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We have so many opportunities to dance in-person this fall! In addition to our free, online dance program available seven days a week, we now have classes in 14 locations throughout the city of Toronto. Check out our website for more information and to register for a class near you!
Be the first to know! Would you like to hear about additions to our class schedule? Send us an email and we'll be sure to be in touch with information as details are confirmed!
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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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Barbara Mathews "Mime Over Mind" Course at University of Guelph
DWP friend, dancer and presenter Barbara Salsberg Mathew will be leading an experiential learning course for Humanities students to show how mime can help manage Parkinson's symptoms. To learn more about this exciting opportunity for Barbara and U of G students, click here.
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Join us for the Parkinson Canada SuperWalk!
On Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10, DWP will be leading dance classes and warm ups at the Parkinson Canada SuperWalks in Toronto and Vaughan.
We would love to see you there! See the attached poster for details or visit the SuperWalk website for more info and to register.
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"Befriending my Body and Mind" with Sharon Chakalakkal
During a recent Slice of Life, Sharon Chakalakkal shared her incredibly powerful and informative presentation, “Befriending my Body and Mind”.
Drawing on her work as a senior policy advisor at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, and her personal experience as a person living with young onset Parkinson’s, Sharon provided some very helpful and thoughtful tools to support us during moments of stress.
She highlighted the importance of checking in with ourselves throughout the day through “micro-boosts” such as intentional breathing, mindful movement and gratitude to help shift our energy and mood, allowing us to come back to the present moment.
Thank you so much for your insight, vulnerability and guidance, Sharon — your tips will be put to good use.
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"My Adventures in Teaching" with Gordon Dove
On August 29th, Gordon shared stories from his lengthy and accomplished teaching career in Toronto, from the numerous schools where he made a significant impact, created lasting friendships and learned as much as he taught.
From coaching sports to his own challenges with spelling (we loved this story, Gordon!), he reminded us of the importance of building community, giving back and remembering the power of a sense of humour.
Always open to his own personal and professional growth, Gordon includes dancing with DWP as a learning experience.
Gordon, thank you for telling your story so honestly and openly, and for your thoughtful and generous contributions to the DWP community.
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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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In August, Sarah was honoured to be featured as the first guest on the “Dance for Health” Movement Stories Project in collaboration with Disastershock led by Reji Mathew, PhD, Writer, Registered Expressive Arts Therapist, Mental Health Educator, Expressive Arts Educator and Advocate, and Intermodal Artist. Sarah spoke with Reji about the Dancing with Parkinson’s program, its goal of accessibility for all, and the potential of dance as a holistic healing tool for individuals and communities.
It was a very moving conversation to say the least! We encourage you to have a listen here.
The DANCE FOR HEALTH - Movement Stories Project with Disastershock.com is an exploration of movement practices across cultures for mind-body-spirit and community healing after trauma. Click here to learn more about this important program.
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We love dancing with you "live" at the Daily Dance Connect class every day at 11:00am, but we know that sometimes schedules or energy levels don't align. Don't you worry: we've got you covered so that you can join whenever it suits you!
Check out Dancing with Parkinson's YouTube channel for access to recorded classes that you can enjoy at any time.
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"This program has really made a difference in my life. There are very few people I can relate to, and just being able to talk to people who might understand what I’m going through is a big boost to my morale. You guys are amazing."
~ DWP Participant
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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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