Dear DWP Community,
We have an extra spring in our step this April! We can't wait for you to dance along with us as we continue to grow and expand, reaching new dancers from coast to coast, in between and beyond.
April is Parkinson’s Awareness month — an important opportunity to spotlight and celebrate the strength and resilience of people living with PD and the communities of care that support them.
DWP is honoured to collaborate with our partners from across Canada in a series of special events, both online and in-person, this month with the aim of raising awareness, amplifying voices from the Parkinson's community, meeting new friends and, of course, dancing!
In 2008, I began offering classes specifically designed for people living with PD to provide a place for joy, connection and experiential artistry. Today, our research-backed program is enjoyed every day by thousands living with PD and the community of open hearts that surrounds them. I couldn't be more touched and inspired by the courage, strength and deep care that we have collectively created within the DWP dance family.
It is a privilege to be part of your journey. Thank you for continuing to show up for DWP and most importantly, for yourself. This month we celebrate you.
Let's dance,
Sarah Robichaud
Founder & CEO
|
|
|
Through the month of April, Dancing with Parkinson's will be hosting and participating in several special initiatives aimed at elevating the dialogue around Parkinson's disease. We are thrilled to partner with organizations across Canada who are equally committed to building community and increasing access to vital support for people living with PD.
A (Special!) Slice of Life
Tuesday, April 9th at 11:30 a.m. EST, via Zoom
In celebration of Parkinson’s Awareness month, (which also happens to be National Poetry month), we are planning a special Slice of Life program in which a few of our dancers from around the world will share a poem that is meaningful to them. Immediately following the Daily Dance Connect, please join us to listen to our dancers read and talk about their chosen pieces.
Daily Dance Connect on World Parkinson's Day
Thursday, April 11th at 11:30 a.m. EST, via Zoom
In honour of World Parkinson’s Day, DWP, U-Turn Parkinson’s and PD Avengers are joining forces to share the benefits of movement and connection. Log in for DWP's Daily Dance Connect at 11:00 a.m. EST, and then stay for a special online event featuring presentations and demonstrations from our partners and other Parkinson's organizations to learn about various online movement and exercise programs available from the comfort of home.
World Parkinson's Day in Yonge Dundas Square
Thursday, April 11th at 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. EST, in-person at Yonge Dundas Square
On April 11th, Parkinson Canada is hosting an energetic afternoon of music and dancing — a meaningful opportunity to come together as a community and spread awareness about Parkinson's disease. DWP is thrilled to be invited to lead guests in dance and movement for this special event, which includes the world premiere of a song, Slow Emotions, by Martha and Company (Martha Johnson, lead singer and founding member of Martha and the Muffins!)
|
|
|
|
Community Profile: Tim Hague Sr., Founder of U-Turn Parkinson's
A slight tremor in Tim's left toe first caught his attention in 2010, but it still came as a shock when he was formally diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s disease in 2011. Tim Hague Sr. was just 46 years old with four kids, and a full, busy life — Parkinson's wasn't part of the plan. But it didn't take him long to pick himself up and get moving. Tim’s active lifestyle proved helpful in managing his PD symptoms and inspired a new chapter in his life. Completing his first triathlon in 2011 and winning the Amazing Race Canada in 2013 demonstrated to Tim the importance of movement, wellness and perseverance, both for himself and for the Parkinson’s community that he serves.
In 2016, Tim founded U-Turn Parkinson's with the mission to help individuals living with Parkinson’s live their best lives through exercise, wellness, and community. The Winnipeg-based organization offers a wide variety of movement classes, and in September 2023 in partnership with DWP, U-Turn PD introduced dance to their repertoire. Every Tuesday, DWP instructor Brenda Gorlick leads an in-person class for the U-Turn PD community. "U-Turn Parkinson's has known the benefits and joy that can come from dance programming for years and hoped to incorporate dance into our offerings. In 2023 we were introduced to Sarah Robichaud and her team at Dancing with Parkinson's, and it was a partnership for the ages!" shares our partners at U-Turn PD. "We have been thrilled to see people living with Parkinson's, their family, and care partners, come out each week to have fun, challenge themselves, build community, and boogie!"
Thank you, Tim, for your enthusiasm and support of DWP.
We love dancing with you, Winnipeg! If you’re in the area, click here to learn more about our in-person class!
|
|
|
On Friday, March 22nd, 250 DWP dancers from all over the country joined us online and in-person to learn choreography led by spectacular performers from “Message in a Bottle”, set to Sting’s iconic hits. On Zoom, we welcomed daily DWP dancers and DWP groups from Mississauga, Meaford and Woodgreen Senior’s Active Living Centre.
It was such an honour to learn the stunning choreography of “Desert Rose” from three members of Message in a Bottle and the Kate Prince Company. Special thanks to Natasha, Gavin and Lizzie for bringing our dance family together with such enthusiasm, passion and artistry, and for making this special workshop an event to remember.
Our heartfelt thanks to our wonderful community partners at TO Live for creating a welcoming and inclusive dance space.
Moments like these solidify our commitment to reaching isolated populations, wherever they are, to share the joy and benefits of music, dance and the arts. Thank you for dancing with us.
Click here to enjoy highlights from the day!
|
|
A Special Day in Thornhill!
Young dancers at Wonderland Dance Company's March Break camp joined our weekly in-person DWP dancers to connect and share their love of movement. The kids brought gifts of art, and all of the dancers enjoyed a few dances together. Dance, music and movement bridge the gaps between generations. We love sharing and receiving art in all its forms as a way to connect and create community.
|
|
A Lucky Day on the DDC!
We love an excuse to dress up, and dancers did not disappoint on St. Patrick’s Day! In their Irish best, the DWP community enjoyed good music and a great time with Claire on Sunday, March 17th.
Did you know that we dance 356 days a year? We are here for you every single day at 11:00 a.m. EST for the Daily Dance Connect. Join us!
|
|
|
DWP's New Young Onset Class
Our new Young Onset class takes place on Zoom on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. and is tailored specifically to people living with young onset Parkinson's disease. This 6-week pilot class is being led by Sarah Murphy-Dyson and Lainie Maigidsohn and is an opportunity to move creatively through your dance space while experiencing the benefits of the Dance for PD® method.
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. EST
Location: On Zoom. Click here to learn more and to register!
|
|
Dancing with the Greek Seniors in Thorncliffe Park!
Earlier in March, we had a fantastic time dancing with new friends from the Greek Seniors group of The Neighbourhood Organization. Things got a little rowdy during "Zorba the Greek", when everyone jumped up to dance in a celebration of friendship, and taught Sarah Robichaud a thing or two about Greek social dancing!
We also offered demo classes at retirement residences around Ontario and information sessions for partner organizations. Through the month of April we will continue to connect with communities across Ontario and beyond. We can't wait to dance with you!
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
DWP Teacher Training
On May 2nd and 3rd, Sarah Robichaud and Dance for PD® founding teacher, David Leventhal, will lead an intensive teacher training weekend at the National Ballet School.
This program offers dance teachers the opportunity to experience first hand the first level of training of the Dance for PD® method. Together we will deconstruct the method: why, how, and for whom we do this, so that teachers are able to deliver an exceptional dance experience for our participants.
Building our team of specially trained instructors will support DWP’s mission to reach and connect with communities across Canada.
|
|
Sending Love to Paloma's New Baby!
Dancers are thrilled to have Paloma back teaching the Saturday Daily Dance Connect! Recently she shared the cute onesie that the DWP family sent for her baby boy.
We are so happy for you, Paloma, and can't wait for Suen to join us online one of these weekends!
|
|
Robin McPhail-Dempsey
We were delighted to welcome one of DWP's wonderful instructors, Robin McPhail-Dempsey, for a recent Slice of Life. Robin shared highlights from her fascinating professional dance career which took her all over the world. She also shared what brought her back to dance after "retirement", and how movement has been such an important part of her physical, emotional and spiritual journey.
|
|
|
|
In April, we look forward to hearing from members of the DDC community from all over the world who will share their favourite poems in recognition of National Poetry month and Parkinson's Awareness month!
|
|
|
The DWP Book Club
DWP's bi-monthly book club launched on April 2nd! DWP dancer from Winnipeg, Keith Strachan, selected our first book, Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis, and led an engaging and lively discussion with the community.
We are already looking forward to the next meeting which will be scheduled for early June. Do you have a book you'd like to share? Please contact us by emailing info@dancingwithparkinsons.com.
|
|
|
Sometimes, showing up for the DDC can feel hard, but thanks to the excellence and accessibility of the program and my hard work, I know in my body, my brain and my bones how much it benefits me and how much I need it.
~ DWP Dancer
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
