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Dear DWP Community,
It all began with a simple desire to give back—to offer a free class each week for those living with Parkinson's disease (PD), helping them experience the freedom and joy that movement can bring. That first in-person class was a transformative moment for me as an instructor. Having taught countless classes to dancers, both professional and recreational, this was different. People arrived with wheelchairs and walkers, braving a snowstorm to reach a remote location, all in the hope of finding something that could improve their day. The smiles, the energy, and the connections between participants told me everything I needed to know: this was my path. Dance was the key to breaking down barriers and connecting us all—it became a gateway to transformation.
From the beginning, my mission has been clear: to meet people where they are, both physically and emotionally. I’ve always sought to learn from our dancers, listen to their stories, and adapt, create, and innovate to ensure each person feels seen, heard, and that they truly belong. Dance, as a holistic art form, leaves no room for “wrong” ways to do it—it's about personal expression and freedom. Together, we continue to explore new ways of dancing for and with so many different people.
As science continues to affirm what we've always known—art heals, inspires, and connects—I am filled with pride and gratitude as we celebrate our 17th anniversary. Over the years, our organization has not only grown but evolved into a beacon of innovation and transformation. While growth is always a milestone, it's the deep, meaningful connections we’ve made that matter most. We’ve embraced change and innovation with open arms, consistently adapting to meet new challenges with creative solutions, pushing boundaries to ensure our program remains accessible, effective, and undeniably fun.
As we reflect on this incredible milestone, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the trust you’ve placed in us. We’ve come so far, but this is just the beginning. Here’s to many more years of growth, connection, transformation, innovation, and adaptation!
Our community is strong, resilient, and supportive, and I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who has been part of this journey. To our instructors, volunteers, board members, supporters, internal team, and most importantly, our dancers: thank you from the deepest part of my heart for allowing me to follow my passion in helping beautiful humans experience the freedom of being exactly who they are.
With gratitude,
Sarah Robichaud
Founder & CEO
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Join Us to Celebrate the "Rhythm of..." 17 Years of Dance!
We can't wait to bring the DWP community together in-person and online on March 31st, 2025 from across Canada and around the world to celebrate the rhythm of connection, artistry and love. Through our efforts to raise critical funds, we will keep Dancing with Parkinson's transformative movement program free and accessible for individuals living with Parkinson's disease, seniors, and those facing neurological, cognitive, and mobility challenges.
Event Details:
- Date: Monday, March 31st, 2025
- Time: 11:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m. EDT
- Location: All DWP locations across Canada and online via the Daily Dance Connect
We are getting closer to our goal of raising $100,000 to keep our community dancing every day of the year at no charge, but we aren't there yet! Your support is critical to help us reach our goal!
There is still time to join a team or create an individual account and start peer to peer fundraising with us! Please help spread the word about our transformative program which serves more than 6,000 seniors and people living with Parkinson's disease across our country and around the world.
Join us, and be part of a movement that truly changes lives, one dance step at a time!
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The Rhythm of Life for Martha Johnson and Mark Gane
We are counting down to our "Rhythm of..." fundraising event, a nationwide collaborative workshop uniting DWP instructors, people living with Parkinson's, seniors, and young students from across Canada in a unique interpretation of renowned singer-songwriter Martha Johnson's iconic song "The Rhythm of Life".
We had the opportunity to speak with Martha and her partner in life and work, Mark Gane! Read on to hear about the making of this moving song, and what the rhythm of life looks like for them now, 40 years later.
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Connecting with Martha and Mark from "Martha and the Muffins"
Martha Johnson and Mark Gane, the creative force behind the iconic Canadian rock band "Martha and the Muffins", have been partners in both music and life for decades. Known for their 1980s hits, including the classic "Echo Beach," they’ve weathered both personal and professional challenges, including Martha’s Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2001.
The band’s 1984 hit, "Rhythm of Life," inspired DWP’s upcoming 17th anniversary celebration, “Rhythm of…” The song, born from a moment on Bloor Street after the Santa Claus parade, calls for unity in times of crisis—a message that remains relevant today. Martha describes the song as a reminder of our shared humanity, transcending race, religion, and background, much like Dancing with Parkinson’s, which fosters a sense of community around shared experiences. The song’s chorus, “Carry on,” is a powerful reminder to persevere through life’s challenges.
Reflecting on the rhythm of their life today, Martha describes it as more hectic, with constant shifts in pace and the challenges of aging and health. Despite the changes, she and Mark emphasize the importance of embracing what feels good—like time with her young granddaughters—and celebrating both the harmonious and dissonant rhythms life offers.
As artists, they acknowledge that creativity ebbs and flows, and right now, the focus is on Martha’s health as they navigate the daily realities of Parkinson’s. Despite the physical challenges, they draw strength from the Parkinson’s community, which provides invaluable support. Martha finds joy in activities like dancing and boxing, which keep her engaged and connected, while Mark treasures the friendships forged through this experience. Through Parkinson’s, they’ve met some of the most amazing people and are grateful for the shared purpose and hope that unite them.
Though their specific circumstances are different—Martha navigating Parkinson’s and Mark experiencing the aging process—they both agree that dancing and movement have had a significant impact on how they feel, physically and mentally. For Martha and Mark, the power of community, creativity, and movement continues to inspire and propel the rhythm of their life.
To listen to the "Rhythm of Life", click below.
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Click above to listen to the "Rhythm of Life"
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"How to Create Your Fundraising Page" Guide!
We are here to support you in your fundraising efforts. Click here to download a handy guide that will walk you through the process, step-by-step.
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@dancingwithparkinsons.com. We are here to help!
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Are you interested in sponsoring our 17th Anniversary Fundraiser?
Please click the button below to download our Sponsorship Package and to learn about ways you can get involved!
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Dancing with Griffin at Trinity St. Paul!
It was a truly magical moment during a recent Monday at Trinity St. Paul when one of our amazing volunteers, Rachel, whose 12-year-old son Griffin often joins our class, took Sarah up on her suggestion that Griffin lead the dancers in a song. Without hesitation, Griffin embraced the opportunity, choreographing a beautiful piece that not only got everyone moving but also touched hearts and lifted spirits around the room. It was a perfect reminder of the incredible things that happen when generations come together through dance, music, and the shared experience of creative self-expression. Click above to enjoy this memorable moment.
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Happy Lunar New Year!
It was such a delight to celebrate the Lunar New Year with Phoebe and our dance family at Woodgreen Seniors Active Living Centre, and also online during our Standing Class with Robin! To enjoy a snippet of the Lunar New Year dance performed during class, click here.
Have you tried our virtual Standing Class yet? We would love to have you join us! Here is the link to learn more and to register.
Wishing all who celebrate a very happy Chinese New Year!
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The DWP Band Puts on a Show in PEI!
Our in-person class in Charlottetown Prince Edward Island had a fantastic time dancing with live percussion accompaniment! Participants brought in instruments and created a band for a truly memorable and magnificent celebration of movement, music and community! Click the image above, or here, to watch the show!
If you're in the Charlottetown area, we would love to have you come and dance with us! You can find more information about our local in-person class here.
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Join us to Dance at the TNO Health and Wellness Fair!
We look forward to dancing with visitors to The Neighbourhood Organization's upcoming Health and Wellness Fair! On Tuesday, March 25, DWP's incredible instructor, Phoebe, will be leading a class at the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens! If you're in the area, we hope you'll join us! Information can be found on the above poster.
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"Parkinson's Shaker" in Regina
Our good friend, Joanne Leigh, who volunteers at our new in-person dance class in Saskatchewan, is hosting the 1st annual Cabaret "Parkinson's Shaker" event in Regina! We are thrilled to support her efforts to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson's disease. We're sure the evening will be one to remember!
Are you in the Regina area? We would love to dance with you! Click here to learn more about our in-person class. We hope you will join us!
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Where We're Dancing!
Through the month of February, we shared the joy and benefits of dance with community groups including the Eastern Ontario Resource Centre, Emerald Plaza Support Group, Kanata Seniors Council and Bayshore Program & Multicultural Seniors Program! We also had the great opportunity to lead a warm up for participants at the Coldest Night of the Year in Meaford, Ontario.
In March, we are excited to connect with dancers at Smith Falls, Brockville, Wellings of Stittsville and Bearbrook long term care centre!
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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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Calling all Dance Teachers: DWP is hiring!
DWP is looking for dance instructors in Charlottetown, Peterborough and Regina to lead in-person classes! If you are looking for an opportunity to share your art in a meaningful and important way, and would like to be part of helping DWP reach and engage a very special population, we would love to hear from you! Please send you cover letter and resume to info@dancingwithparkinsons.com.
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"Slow Emotion: The Making Of" Film Screening with Parkinson Canada
It was an incredible honour to hear from our friends Martha Johnson and Mark Gane, along with filmmaker Jason Cipparrone, to enjoy the screening of their film "Slow Emotion: The Making of" reflecting on the creation of Martha and Company's beautiful new collaborative song, "Slow Emotion" which sends the meaningful message that creativity can thrive in the face of challenges.
The event was a deeply inspiring and moving opportunity to reflect on the power of art and expression as a reminder of the strength found in community, and connections made through shared experiences.
Thank you to Parkinson Canada for bringing us together for this important discussion and celebration.
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A "Slice of Life" with Paul!
We were thrilled to have Paul Peacock return on February 26th to tell us more about his fascinating career as a mechanical engineer working in the field of robotics. On this Slice of Life, Paul shared his experience helping to develop NeuroArm robots to perform image-guided brain surgery in MRI environments. It was fascinating to hear how these robots can assist in deep brain stimulation surgery for people living with neurological conditions including Parkinson's disease, and also future tools that might be developed to help correct natural tremors. Thank you for incredible and important work, Paul!
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On March 11th, we look forward to a very special "Slice of Life" with Jesse who will join us to present from the Toronto Seniors Housing Kingston Road location.
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Listen to your favourite songs from DWP's classes anytime! Click here to follow DWP on Spotify so you can stay up to date on music as fresh tracks are added!
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As well as it being an exercise class with wonderful instructors and music, it keeps people from literally all over the world connected and feeling loved and special.
~ DWP Dancer
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Why Does DWP Matter?
Every day, people tell us how our research-backed programs bring joy, friendship and connection to their lives, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Click above to hear what DWP's free, accessible movement classes mean to our dancers.
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