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Dear DWP Community,
This past month has truly exemplified the power of relationships within our Dancing with Parkinson’s family. As we expand our program to create more opportunities for dancers to join us both in person and online, it has been a joy to witness the deepening connections that define our community.
Recently, we held a fall kickoff meeting with around 35 DWP-trained instructors and volunteers. I was profoundly moved by the overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride as each person introduced themselves, sharing where they live, teach, and volunteer, and how they became part of our dance family. It struck me that, despite being spread across the country, we have built this together—through relationships.
Over 17 years ago, it was just me with an idea and a hope: to create an inclusive community for those living with Parkinson’s, where they could find freedom in movement and connection. And now we have an ever-growing team reaching dancers and their families across our country. Each hug, gesture, story, and song has enriched our bonds with our dancers, partners, instructors, and volunteers. We must not undervalue the significance of feeling seen and like we belong.
People come to dance with us to get moving, but I believe the impact goes beyond that. It resides in the intangible feeling that infuses our program, grounded in the relationships among every member of our dance family.
This month, let us celebrate our incredible team, instructors, volunteers, and partners who embody our welcoming philosophy of love, expression, and connection. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Let's dance,
Sarah Robichaud
Founder & CEO
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DWP's Newest Class in Regina!
We are excited to announce that with support from the Parkinson Canada CARE Fund, Dancing with Parkinson’s is opening a new in-person class for people living with Parkinson’s disease in Regina, Saskatchewan! We are delighted to be expanding the DWP family, and can't wait to celebrate the growth of this beautiful community. To learn more and to register for this class, please click the button below.
We can't wait to welcome you and for you to experience the magic!
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Calling Regina-based Volunteers!
If you are in the Regina area, please consider joining our volunteer team as a Dance Class Assistant. Weekly dance classes will be offered on Mondays from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Regina Public Library, Sunrise Branch. For more information on our volunteer program and to apply, please click here.
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Introducing DWP's New Instructors in Regina!
We are thrilled to welcome Heather and Tessa Rae to the DWP teaching team! They have recently completed their training in the research-backed Dance for PD® Method under the guidance of DWP's Founder and CEO, Sarah Robichaud.
Tessa and Heather will bring a wealth of experience, creativity and passion to the DWP dance family in Regina! We can't wait for you to experience their magic.
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Heather Cameron (she/her)
With a Bachelor's Degree in Contemporary Dance from Concordia University (Montreal), Heather moved to Regina in 2005 to co-found FadaDance Troupe, a contemporary dance company that creates innovative dance experiences, performing in alternative venues and fostering cross-disciplinary arts collaboration.
For Heather, living life and creating art are inseparable. She views her role as an artist like that of an explorer—venturing, playing, provoking, illuminating, and inspiring.
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Tessa Rae Kuz (she/her)
Tessa Rae Kuz is a dance artist, performer and teacher based on the Treaty 4 Territory of Regina, Saskatchewan.
She is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University's Performance Dance BFA program and an active participant of Margie Gillis’ Legacy Project, a project devoted to transmitting concepts of creation, teaching and humanitarian vision to the next generation of dance artists. Tessa also facilitates Inclusive Dance for youth of all abilities.
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DWP Pub Night with Cary Shields!
One Friday in October, the DWP community gathered online for "live" music performed by Sarah's brother, Cary, a wildly accomplished singer and performer. Back in COVID days, we used to come together with a drink or a cup of tea to enjoy Cary's talent, to sing along to favourite tunes, and to connect as a community.
We loved sharing this tradition once again with all of you! To watch some of Cary's show, click here.
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Ms Wing Yee's Class Returns to the DDC!
We were absolutely delighted to welcome Ms. Wing Yee's grade 1 class back to the Daily Dance Connect! Ms. Wing Yee has been an incredible supporter of Dancing with Parkinson's, actively engaging her students in our community. Over the past two intergenerational dance projects, she has not only brought her class to the DDC but has also fostered meaningful connections with our DWP dancers. Under her guidance, her students create heartfelt birthday, get well, and "thinking of you" cards for our DWP family members. It is so moving to see the response from dancers when they receive these special gestures from the kids, reminding us that the benefits of connection, in all its forms, are limitless and ageless.
Click here to enjoy a snippet of the grade 1s dancing with us. Not following us on our social media channels yet? Now's your chance! Find DWP on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and LinkedIn, and follow along for news, updates and magic moments.
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"HOTTOGO" with Cassie at Trinity!
Cassie energized dancers at Monday's in person class at Trinity St Paul, teaching choreography to Chappell Roan's catchy new song, "HOT TO GO!" It was incredible to see everyone mastering the moves, especially given the quick pace of the routine. Not only was it a fun experience, but it also provided a fantastic shoulder workout that left everyone feeling invigorated! Click here to watch!
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The Ballet Comes to Thornhill!
The dancers at our in-person class in Thornhill have been practicing some stunning choreography, and it was a joy to witness their hard work come to life. The elegance and precision of their movements showcased the artistry of ballet, with each dancer embodying grace and strength. Watching them perform was a beautiful reminder of the dedication and passion that go into mastering this timeless art form. To enjoy their performance, click here.
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DWP's PEI Class Moves Locations
It was a bittersweet final class for the Charlottetown community at the stunning Central Christian Church location. Our PEI-based dance family has outgrown their space, and have moved to the Community Baptist Church. But they made their last class one to remember with live music, beautiful dancing and the true spirit of connection. Here is a short clip of their last class under the twinkling lights that warmed this beautiful space.
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Where We're Dancing!
Through the month of October, in addition to presentations and podcasts, we led demonstration classes at Stanley Knowles (NORC), The Renoir MacKenzie Place and with the Friends of Regent Park at their annual Halloween Funfest. We loved dancing with all of you!
In November, we will be sharing the joy and benefits of dance at seniors residences and long term care homes at a variety of locations including The Elden and the Parkinson Society of Southwestern Ontario. 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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DWP Launches Hybrid Program with Toronto Seniors Housing!
One and a half years ago, we planted a seed of hope: a vision of how Dancing with Parkinson's could reach isolated seniors with limited access to technology and wellness programming. We held numerous demonstration classes, sharing the benefits of dance, and through a few fortuitous partnerships, the intersection of technology and creativity, and a lot of heart, we are excited to announce the launch of a "hybrid" dance program with Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation. This initiative is designed to share the joy of moving together to music with those who might not otherwise have the opportunity. With the support of our partners, we are able to stream the Daily Dance Connect from common areas at many Toronto Seniors Housing buildings across the city, at no cost to participants.
Recognizing the mobility challenges and travel limitations faced by many, we are introducing the Daily Dance Connect to lower-income communities and seniors housing through an innovative and accessible hybrid model. These communities often lack internet access and live programming, leaving residents with few options to enhance their quality of life.
In collaboration with Toronto Seniors Housing and the Thorncliffe Park community, we are piloting a program where DWP volunteers will visit these underserved buildings to deliver our specialized programming at no cost. We are also grateful for our partnership with Health Commons (Sinai Health), which has generously provided iPads to help us set up the Daily Dance Connect on large screens in common areas. The response from participants and building representatives has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents are finding joy in coming together to be active, dance, and make new friends right where they live, participating in the DDC as a community.
With five Toronto Seniors Housing locations now running, the enthusiasm and joy of the residents are heartwarming. Witnessing their smiles and engagement reaffirms our commitment to enhancing their lives through the transformative power of movement. DWP is truly thrilled to share the benefits of dance, expression, and connection with these incredible communities.
To see the impact this program is already having, click here.
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DWP Dances with our Friends of Regent Park
It was a beautiful fall weekend for FORP's annual Halloween Funfest! Sarah Murphy-Dyson brought her extra special brand of joy as she led visitors in a dance break that filled the air with laughter and movement. This celebration served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community and how dance has the ability to unite us. It encouraged everyone to let loose, celebrate one another, and embrace the spirit of the season together.
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Parkinson's Pricetag: The Economic Burden of Parkinson's in Canada
With the total number of people living with PD in Canada having increased to over 110,000, and that number expected to rise to 150,000 by 2034, Parkinson Canada's latest report is shedding a light on the true impact of PD.
Individuals and care partners are having to make difficult choices every day in order to prioritize their care and access support. According to Parkinson Canada, people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners bear approximately 90% of the cost of care, equating to nearly $2 billion in direct and indirect costs in 2024, growing to $2.6 billion by 2034.
To learn more about these new findings, and what you can do to be part of helping to ease the burden, visit https://www.parkinsonspricetag.ca/.
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A "Slice of Life" with Patricia!
We were thrilled to have Patricia Byers-McPhail, mother to one of DWP’s wonderful instructors, Robin McPhail-Dempsey, return to share the final leg of her incredible trip to Scotland which we went on with her daughter and granddaughters. Patricia's stunning photography and deeply moving storytelling made us feel like we were along for the experience. Thank you for sharing your special memories with us, Patricia!
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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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Sarah Presents at the Hope Conference
On Saturday, November 2nd at Parkinson Association of Alberta's "Hope Conference", Sarah delivered a compelling presentation on the transformative benefits of dance for individuals living with Parkinson's disease, followed by a dance demonstration. Sarah shared how dance not only promotes physical coordination and balance but also enhances emotional well-being and fosters social connections. As one of four speakers from the industry, Sarah's presentation offered hope and practical tools for those affected by Parkinson's, including post-secondary students and healthcare professionals learning about accessible programs available for the PD community.
To enjoy a snapshot of the participants moving together to music and experiencing the benefits first-hand, click here.
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We are looking for 12 individuals to help keep our DWP classes free for thousands to enjoy each and every day. It costs just $30/month to share the joy and benefits of dance and movement. Can we count on you to be one of the 12? Click below to show your support!
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We had a wonderful time dancing at the Blue Jays game! It’s always great to meet in person. The commitment to our well being from the entire DWP staff is second to none! For all you do, I give thanks.
~ 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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