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Dear DWP Community,
Spring is in full swing here at DWP! We are meeting new dancers through demo classes across Ontario, working hard with like-minded partners to grow our online dance community, and continuing to reach people where they are through the joy and benefits of dance.
Jessica Dargo Caplan, DWP's incredible Director of Outreach & Engagement and I have just returned from a whirlwind trip to Winnipeg where we participated in Parkinson Canada's “Parkinson’s IQ + You” event! While we were there, we got to connect with our awesome partners at U-Turn Parkinson's, Tim, Taylor and Brenda, and discuss next steps to expand our collaborative work together.
We also spent time with beloved DWP dancer Keith Strachan and his wife Kathy, discussing all things DWP and life in general!
On Saturday, we were honoured to participate in the “Parkinson's IQ + You” partner expo where we shared information about the benefits of the DWP program at our display table. There were over 300 persons living with PD in attendance, and we had many energetic conversations, getting to know the community and meeting current and future dancers from Winnipeg and surrounding areas. These opportunities to hear stories from people living with PD from across the country provide us with valuable insights and community-specific contexts. We are better able to understand and identify gaps in programming, and alleviate potential barriers to participation so that all of our participants can experience the same benefits of moving to music with us!
We are as enthusiastic as ever to continue reaching farther and wider, and to connect purposefully and with intention with dancers from around the world. Thank you for joining us on this important journey! We couldn’t do it without your support and love.
Let’s dance,
Sarah
Sarah Robichaud
Founder & CEO
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Taras and his dad, Nestor, have a very special connection. It’s the kind of bond that you feel without having to know them. Both highly accomplished Ukrainian dancers, Taras and Nestor bring their passion for movement to the in-person classes at Trinity St. Paul and DWP events.
When asked what he and Nestor love about DWP, Taras says that the classes make him feel “extra alive”. He leaves feeling invigorated and rejuvenated, and reminded of the power of dance to create connection. “I value the bonding that I experience when I can connect with my father during the class, especially when I get the chance to do the “mirroring” exercise together, or during his spontaneous Ukrainian dance moments!” In his dad, Taras has witnessed a greater sense of mobility and alertness which carries over at home, helping to manage his PD symptoms.
Taras loves to see Nestor so engaged when he’s dancing with the DWP community. In addition to his prowess on the dance floor, according to Taras, it is in these moments that Nestor becomes his most natural, romantic and humorous self. “The community of participants, volunteers and teachers have become a caring and supportive family of friends for both of us”, Taras shares.
After class, lifted by the energy of dance, Nestor and Taras will reminisce about old times: fond memories of their touring days, special occasions centred around movement and music, and dancing as a family at home.
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This Father's Day, give the gift of dance to a father living with Parkinson's disease and seniors from around the world. It costs as low as $1 a day for one dancer to join Dancing with Parkinson's online class for free! For just $30 you can give one dancer the gift of joy, movement and connection to community for a whole month!
Thank you for giving generously.
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As the saying goes, a team is only as good as its leader, and, in the case of DWP, our Board of Directors play an important role in envisioning and expanding DWP's mission to reach more people living with Parkinson's and seniors across Canada.
It is with our utmost gratitude that we extend our deep thanks and appreciation to longtime board member, Tess McLean as she retires from her position with DWP. Her dedication and leadership have been instrumental in helping to shape DWP's growth, setting our organization up for ongoing success.
Tess' initiative resulted in Sarah being honoured as a Community Hero with MLSE in 2021. To enjoy memories of this very special occasion, click here.
Tess, thank you again for everything. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
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Our Teaching Team is Growing!
On May 2nd and 3rd, Sarah Robichaud and Dance for PD® founding teacher, David Leventhal, led an intensive teacher training at the National Ballet School.
Dance teachers gathered to learn how to teach the Dance for PD® method, learning why, how, and for whom we do this, so that teachers are able to deliver an exceptional dance experience for our participants.
This powerful time together was made extra special by Sarah and David leading the Daily Dance Connect from the National Ballet School with some of our dancers joining us in-person! We cherish the opportunity to connect with our dance family. Thank you for joining us online and at the NBS!
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The Making of an Intergenerational Dance Project
We are thrilled to be working once again with the Rosedale Day School in the creation of our latest Intergenerational Dance Project. These are very meaningful opportunities to bring school children and DWP dancers together to create art through self-expression and collaboration. Bridging the generations and finding commonalities working with the theme of "resilience", dancers and children built a dance piece together using gestures based on their lived experiences. For a sneak peek at our work so far, click here!
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Mother's Supporting Mother's for Mother's Day!
In celebration of Mother's Day, one of the dancers at our Woodgreen class gave each of the mom's and the program organizer bouquets of flowers! It was such a thoughtful gesture and a reminder of the beautiful connections and friendships that are fostered within the DWP community.
Our weekly in-person dance class at the Woodgreen Seniors Centre is taught in Cantonese by our wonderful teacher, Phoebe. It is a very special group of dancers have come together and the classes are always vibrant and full of laughter and joy.
For a list of seniors residences where we teach in-person classes, click here.
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Slow Emotion Screening and Q&A
On Tuesday, May 28th we were so happy and grateful to welcome Martha Johnson and Mark Gane to share their creative experience writing, performing and recording their new song, "Slow Emotion" which aims to raise awareness of Parkinson's disease and shine the light on what is still possible for people living with PD.
Martha worked with musician Fabio Dwyer, as well as a number of backup singers, all of whom are living with Parkinson's.
Together we watched filmmaker Jason Cipparrone's powerful short film on the making of "Slow Emotion" and had the opportunity to ask questions. We closed our time dancing to Martha's beautiful and meaningful new song.
Click here to enjoy the recording of our talk with Martha and Mark.
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A Special field trip in Charlottetown!
On Thursday, May 30th, DWP's Charlottetown-based class went on a field trip to the Confederation Centre for the Arts. Dancers were invited for lunch, prepared by the in-house chef, Julia led a class in one of the Centre studios choreographed to music from music from Charlottetown Festival Shows, and local musician Nick MacDonald conducted a sing-along.
Thank you Julia for creating such a memorable opportunity for Charlottetown dancers to come together and enjoy this unique artistic experience!
Are you in the Charlottetown area? We would love to dance with you! Click here to register for our in-person class.
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Roadtrip to Peterborough
Sarah, Jessica and Lindsay were thrilled to see online dancers and connect with new friends at Chartwell House and the Peterborough PD Support Group on May 21st. It was extra special to learn about new friendships that have been forged through DWP's Daily Dance Connect, and how members of the DDC community come together in their local areas. We loved hearing from Carolyn and Maggie about their experiences dancing with DWP, and how their friendship has grown thanks to the opportunity to meet through dancing in our online family.
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New In-Person Class in Scarborough!
Starting Wednesday, June 19th, DWP will be offering a new, monthly, in-person dance class for people living with Parkinson's at the Scarborough Japanese Jujitsu Club.
Date: 3rd Wednesday of every month, starting June 19th
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Scarborough Japanese Jujitsu Club, 1950 Ellesmere Road, Unit #5, Scarborough
To Register: No registration necessary — just drop in! If you have questions, feel free to call Fiona Bowden at 416-371-1736.
This class is for people living with Parkinson's disease. It will begin seated, move to stand behind the chair, and finish with the option of moving through the dance space. All abilities are invited to participate, and the dances can be modified for safe enjoyment. Wheelchairs and walkers are welcome. Care partners are welcome to join in but not necessary — we have lots of volunteers to help.
We look forward to dancing with you!
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DWP in your Community
Through the month of May, DWP loved visiting several seniors residences and community centres to share the joy and benefits of moving together to music. We had the great pleasure of dancing with new friends at Wildpine Residence, Flemingdon Park, the Ottawa Adult Day Program Association, Toronto Seniors Housing - NORC, Thorncliffe Park, Chartwell Jackson and Avondale LTC residences, Retirement Suites by the Lake and the Peterborough/Kawarthas PD Support Group.
In June we will be visiting Amica Swan Lake, Allendale, Oriole Community Centre, the South Georgian Bay Parkinson's Festival and Better Living Active Living Centre for demonstration classes and presentations. We can't wait!
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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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Lainie's New Show, Stepwise!
Did you know that Lainie not only teaches at DWP, but is also part of a community dance company called PushPULL Dance? Their 20th anniversary show, Stepwise, is running in Toronto from June 12 - 15th.
Stepwise is a multimedia performance offering a wide variety of dance styles, moods and stories — and it's a ton of fun! Lainie would love to have you join! Click here for tickets to Stepwise.
In February of this year, about a dozen dancers from PushPULL, including Lainie, performed a mini-show at one of the seniors residences where DWP offers in-person classes! To enjoy some pictures of this special event, click here.
PushPULL Dance is a community company of diverse adult dancers who, long after many others stepped away from their childhood dance class, continue to make space in their busy lives for a love of dance, and find time to create, collaborate, connect, and express through movement. To learn more about PushPULL, visit their YouTube Channel.
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"Holding Place" Art Show with Anne Freeman
DWP Dancer, artist and poet, Anne Freeman, is hosting a gallery showcasing her recent work from June 9 - 29th at Youngplace. Anne recently on a Slice of Life shared her incredibly moving poetry from her book "The Book of Exceptions" and also told us about her work with cyanotypes. These pieces as well as her photography will be on display at the gallery. We hope you will be able to visit Anne and experience her art in-person. Alternatively you can check out her spectacular work by clicking here.
Dates: June 9 - 29th
Location: Third Floor Hallway Galleries, Youngplace, 180 Shaw Street
Website: https://www.annefreemanworks.com/
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Julia Sauve
Julia, who leads the in-person class in Charlottetown, PEI, has grown up in the world of dance. During her Slice of Life, Julia shared her scrapbook, filled with wonderful pictures and memories from her childhood studying ballet, modern and jazz, to her school years when she received her undergrad and Masters in Dance. Julia's career has been centred around her love of dance and movement: from her first job in NYC, to opening studios, and her ongoing work on Price Edward Island where she continues works with dancers of all ages. Thank you for sharing your passion with us, Julia!
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Highlights from our "Slice of Life" Program
Have you seen this very special compilation of excerpts from our "Slice of Life" presentations from over the years? We are always so inspired by the wide variety of topics our dancers and instructors share. During every "Slice of Life", we are sure to learn fascinating information and get to know each other in a new and special way. These highlights offer just a snapshot of some of the wonderful slices from the lives of the DWP community. To enjoy the "Slice of Life" highlight reel, click here.
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Special Intergenerational "Slice of Life" Opportunity!
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 bonds while providing unique ways to connect 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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OBI Webinar: "The Potential of Developmental Evaluation to Lead to Integrated Brain Health Solutions"
On May 10th, DWP was honoured to participate in this webinar, a partnership between the Ontario Brain Institute and the Evaluation Centre for Complex Health Interventions, exploring how an integrated approach facilitated by Developmental Evaluation can lead to integrated brain health solutions that are based in the community.
Sarah and Jess provided an overview of DWP's current evaluation project, which has led us to deeper learnings and insights. Key takeaways from our presentation highlighted the ways in which our ongoing evaluation process push us to ask better questions. Listening to and learning from our dancers' personal experiences and stories are an essential component of our evaluation process and outcomes. It illustrates how DWP is more than just a dance and movement program, but a transformational and holistic community-based health intervention that improves overall wellness and brain health.
Our thanks to the OBI and the Evaluation Centre for the opportunity to share the impact of DWP's program with this important community.
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Join DWP's Board of Directors
Dancing with Parkinson’s (DWP) is looking for individuals with expertise in the arts, fundraising and donor relations, non-profit administration and law, board governance, or marketing to join our Board of Directors. The volunteer director will play a crucial role in providing strategic leadership, guidance, and oversight to our organization. This individual will collaborate with fellow board members, staff, and stakeholders to advance DWP’s mission and objectives.
If you are interested in submitting an application to join DWP's Board of Directors, please click here.
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I have to say though, DWP has been a saviour of sorts. I find not only the physicality of the class beneficial, but also the social/emotional benefits are fantastic and worth coming for even if I can’t do the dance part.I truly enjoy the friends that I have made and people that I have met through this group. Thank you for always reaching out and for your incredible kindness. I am deeply grateful.
~ DWP Dancer
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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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