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Dear DWP Community,
As we approach the holiday season, we know that this time of year can be challenging for many. That’s why it means so much to us at Dancing with Parkinson's to stay connected, to remain together, and to continue supporting one another, and it's why we offer our Daily Dance Connect class 365 days a year. Every day, we’re here, ready to log in, share a moment, and catch up with one another.
This community is truly special. We’re a group that checks in, looks forward to seeing each other, and notices when someone isn’t there. We’ve been honored to welcome new dancers with open arms, and each day we grow closer and learn more about one another. This is the true essence of community.
DWP is so much more than just a dance class. It's a family in the purest sense. Some of you have taken your friendships beyond the screen and spend time together offline, enriching each other’s lives in person. Others, even those who live on opposite sides of the country, have forged meaningful bonds which would not have been possible had this program not continued to expand, and had you not continued to show up, in every way. We are here to remind each other that we are not alone. May DWP's Daily Dance Connect continue to offer a place where dancers feel seen, valued, and know that they belong.
As we move into this season, we look forward to dancing with you—through the holidays and always. Your presence, your spirit, and your connection make this community what it is, and we are so grateful to share this journey with you.
Let's dance,
Sarah Robichaud
Founder & CEO
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DWP's Launches in Regina!
DWP’s newest in-person dance class in Regina is not only up and running, but it's already thriving! Made possible through the generous support of Parkinson Canada's CARE Fund, this latest class launch is an exciting step forward in DWP's mission to bring accessible, dance-based programming to more communities. It was so special to connect with Heather and Tessa, who will be leading the Regina class, as well as with Fran, who ran a Dance for PD class before the pandemic and has played a pivotal role in nurturing this beautiful community. We also had the pleasure of meeting with local volunteers who are dedicated to creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all dancers. We loved meeting with partners and allies who share our vision for expanding accessible programs for people living with Parkinson’s.
As we continue to grow across Canada, our team is learning invaluable lessons about adapting and implementing the DWP method in new communities, ensuring that they are sustainable and set to flourish long after we leave. One thing is certain: the Regina crew is ready and eager to serve this wonderful family of dancers, and we can't wait to cheer you on along the way!
If you're in the Regina area, come dance with us! You can learn more and register by clicking the button below.
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DWP's Annual General Meeting and 2023/2024 Annual Report
It was such a pleasure getting together with the DWP team including senior teachers, board members and partners, to review the phenomenal year past. We celebrated this community, how we have grown and the major milestones we have reached, including launching classes, engaging new dancers and reaching populations from coast to coast. There's just to much to share in one paragraph, so if you'd like to see it all, take a look at our 2023/2024 Annual Report!
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Thank you, Rachel and Shealyn!
The Board of Directors at DWP plays a vital role in envisioning and driving forward our mission to reach, engage and connect with more people living with Parkinson’s and seniors across Canada.
With heartfelt gratitude, we express our deep appreciation to Rachel Gray and Shealyn Clare-Bradshaw as they step down from their roles as co-chairs of the board. Their leadership has been pivotal in guiding DWP through its growth and ensuring a strong foundation for continued success.
Rachel and Shealyn, we are so thankful for your dedication and all that you have done for DWP. We wish you the very best in all your future endeavours.
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Welcome New DWP Board Members!
We are delighted to welcome six new members to the Dancing with Parkinson's Board of Directors, as well as congratulate Craig Pho on his nomination to Chair.
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Craig Pho, Chair
Craig has acted as Treasurer on the DWP Board for the past year and a half, and brings expertise and dedication to the role of Chair. We look forward to continued growth and expansion with your vision and leadership, Craig!
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Kelly, Stacey, Chris, Richard, Janie and Lillian, welcome to the DWP family! With your passion and commitment, we feel more ready than ever entering another phase of expansion, strengthening and deepening our roots in the communities we serve, while engaging more dancers across the country. Thank you for joining us!
To learn more about the experience our new board members bring to DWP, please click here.
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DWP Re-Opens in Ottawa!
DWP's in-person class in Ottawa is re-opening in a fantastic new location! In partnership with the Ottawa Community Foundation, and led by DWP teachers Nancy and Kathleen, this long-awaited re-launch is sure to be something very special!
Details:
Mondays at 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Britannia United Church, 985 Pinecrest Rd, Ottawa
To learn more and to register for this class, please click the button below.
We can't wait to dance with you, again, Ottawa!
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Kathleen Legassick
Kathleen Legassick holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Toronto Metropolitan University’s (formerly Ryerson University’s) Performance Dance Program. She danced professionally with many dance companies in Toronto.
During her dance career in Toronto, she started volunteering with Dancing with Parkinson's and it quickly became the highlight of her week. She works as a certified Occupational Therapist in the community, and is thrilled to be blending her work as an OT and her passion for movement and dance by teaching with Dancing with Parkinson's.
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Nancy Pidgeon
A graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School Teacher Training Program, and a life member of both Cecchetti Canada, and The Royal Academy of Dance, Nancy Pidgeon has been actively teaching ballet for more than 45 years.
The Dance for PD course inspired her to refocus her path, and it has led to many soulful moments. In addition to teaching with Dancing with Parkinson's, she is currently working as a Senior Outreach Coordinator in the Ottawa area, representing DWP at various PD events.
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DWP Winnipeg Takes the Stage!
On November 24th, U-Turn Parkinson’s dancers, under the direction of DWP teacher Brenda Gorlick, had their premiere performance at the Dance Manitoba Showcase. As the show opener, U-Turn PD performed the classic number "Cheek to Cheek" by Frank Sinatra. The ensemble demonstrated that dance is truly accessible for everyone, no matter their age or physical ability. Way to go team! Next season…Broadway!
Click the image above to enjoy the show!
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Magic Moments Between Friends
Once in rare while we forget that during a "dance class", we are actually doing so much more than just "dancing". This magic moment between these two lovely friends is all it takes to remind us... Laughter, connection, community, captured right here.
Click above for all the beautiful feels!
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DWP Charlottetown Celebrates 1 Year!
It's hard to believe that a year has passed since we were in Charlottetown, meeting Julia, Florence and Maureen, and starting this amazing journey of growing our east coast dance family. Julia and her team of volunteers have done just that and more, outgrowing the beautiful church space where they began and moving into a new, larger location. Along the way there have been field trips, outings, and countless memorable experiences shared by this wonderful community.
If you're in the Charlottetown area, we would love to have you join us! Click here for more information and to register.
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Meaford Classes Continue!
We are thrilled to announce that DWP's Meaford class has been extended and the community will continue to dance together right into 2025! This fantastic group has been growing steadily over the past year, and are excited to see what's to come!
Are you in the Meaford area? If so, we would love to have you join us! For more information and to register, click here.
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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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DWP Dances In-Person with Toronto Seniors Housing Residents!
It was so special to come together with the dancers from two of the Toronto Seniors Housing buildings to dance in-person with Sarah Martens and Phoebe Chu. There really is nothing like connecting "live", and these two classes proved just that. The energy was electric, the laughter was contagious, and the joy was palpable.
As part of our new hybrid offering, DWP instructors lead one in-person class per month. For the weeks in between, residents have the opportunity to gather in the common area of their building where the Daily Dance Connect is live-streamed and projected on the big screen.
Gauging from the response from participants, this program is already having such an impact and making an important difference by providing engaging, accessible activities for all seniors of all ages and circumstances.
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Friend of DWP, Barbara Salsberg Mathews, Publishes a New, Free E-Book!
"What Parkinson's Feels Like", an e-book by Barbara in partnership with Parkinson's Europe, is a collection of illustrations sharing vivid depictions of how it feels to live with PD.
Congratulations, Barbara, on this inspiring initiative! To read more, click here for a recent Parkinson's Life story on the creation of this project.
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CBC Saskatchewan: Dance Group Brings Movement to People Living with PD in Regina
DWP was thrilled to welcome CBC Radio Saskatchewan to our instructor and volunteer training session in Regina on Thursday! We were grateful for the opportunity to share a behind-the-scenes snapshot of the special brand of care, compassion and love that go into launching a new in-person dance class for people living with Parkinson's disease.
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CTV News Regina: Dance Class Helps Those in Regina Living with Parkinson's Manage Disease
We were delighted to have CTV News join us to capture the launch of our newest in-person class in Regina! There was so much joy, laughter and love in the room as dancers were led by DWP Founder and CEO, Sarah Robichaud, as well as the incredible Regina-based teaching team, Heather and Tessa. We absolutely loved witnessing magic in the making.
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CityNews: Dancing with Parkinson's Across the Country
Thank you CityNews for helping us share the incredible news of DWP's partnership with Parkinson Canada in our continued expansion of in-person dance classes across the country! The launch of our newest location in Regina has been made possible thanks to support from Parkinson Canada's CARE Fund, and we could not be more grateful.
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A "Slice of Life" with Paul!
It was such a thrill to welcome Paul Peacock, a dedicated DWP dancer, to share a slice of his life this month. A highly accomplished mechanical engineer, Paul captivated the DWP community with stories from his truly remarkable career in robotics working with NASA on the Canadarm2/Dextre programs, and as part of the team who built a life-like triceratops for Universal Studios in Florida.
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Our Next Intergenerational "Slice of Life"!
Would you like to collaborate with one our school aged friends on a special "Slice of Life" presentation? Some of the children we work with would like to share their hobbies and passions with the DWP community, and we imagine that some of our dancers might share common interests. We would love to continue to foster meaningful connection while providing unique ways to collaborate and learn from each other. If you would be open to working with a young person on a "Slice of Life", please reach out to Akhil at akhil@dancingwithparkinsons.com.
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Claire Presents at Creativity Forever 24
DWP's very own Claire Wooten shared her love of dance at CAN’s ninth annual Creativity Forever 24 conference. She highlighted the health benefits living and working creatively, and how she incorporates her passion for art in her retirement years.
To watch the complete Creativity Forever 24 presentation, click here.
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Reminder that the Daily Dance Connect runs every single day at 11:00 a.m. EST! Join us online straight through the holidays!
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December 3rd is Giving Tuesday, and we can't think of a better way to can’t think of a better gift than helping to bring joy and connection to the lives of others. Our friends at Burgundy Asset Management are going to match every contribution to our holiday giving campaign to a maximum of $10,000! Ready to give today? Click below to show your support, and help share the joy and benefits of dance with the people who need it most.
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Dancing with the Toronto Seniors Housing residents warms my heart. The sparkle of joy and sense of delight I feel radiating from the dancers fills my soul with love. I am truly honoured to be a member of this beautiful community.
~ Sarah M, DWP Teacher
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