Dear <<First Name>>,
April is Parkinson’s Awareness month, a very meaningful and important month for our community.
Before I met Andy Barrie in 2007, I had very little knowledge about Parkinson’s disease. I certainly did not expect that my passion and life’s work would be to help those with PD find some joy in their movement through dance, music and connection.
Since March 2008, my personal mission has been to bring those living with Parkinson’s disease into an artistic community where they could connect with others and explore the potential of their own movement. Over the last 15 years I have had the privilege of learning from our participants about what it means to live with Parkinson’s disease.
At DWP we have always said “come as you are”, because with Parkinson’s, how you “are” at one moment is not the same as how you will be at the next. So we encourage our dancers to simply show up, and to be open to what is possible, moment by moment, breath by breath, song by song.
In the words of Michael J Fox, “PD is the gift that keeps on taking”. I think about this often and it reminds me of what it is that we wish to give: a space for laughter, freedom, acceptance and artistry. As you are, every day.
During Parkinson’s Awareness month we acknowledge the tireless effort of scientists, doctors and researchers who are doing incredible work to help discover better treatments, to identify causes, and to try to find a cure — all while providing exceptional patient care. However, there is still so much to learn and understand about this disease.
While they are hard at work doing what they do best, we remain committed to doing what we do best: bringing you a daily dose of joy through music and movement. All of our programs at DWP are specially designed and developed to enhance and benefit the lives of people living with PD.
This month, and every month, we celebrate the connection, laughter and friendship that each of you bring to this community. Not only for people with PD, but with seniors across Canada who also benefit from the inclusivity, artistry and engagement that dancing fosters, and which I look forward to every single day.
Thank you for continuing to show up for DWP and most importantly, for yourself. This month we celebrate you.
Best regards,
Sarah Robichaud
Founder and Executive Director
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In recognition of Parkinson's Awareness month, DWP is excited to take part in a very special awareness campaign called "Dopamine Dance Against PD".
Inspired by Barbara Mathew's wonderful dance video that went viral on Twitter, leading up to World Parkinson's Day on April 11th, DWP dancers are invited to post a video of themselves dancing with a message about how dancing makes them feel. Through this initiative, we are spreading the word about the importance of movement for our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Keep an eye on DWP's social pages to see our dancers in action! If you would like to participate, we are here to help! Feel free to email Lisa for more information.
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Check out our 15th Anniversary webpage which shares many of the highlights that made our milestone celebration such a fantastic success! Thank you for being such an important part of this event and of the past 15 years of dance and connection.
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Webinar with the PSSO
On April 5 at 12:00 EST, Sarah will be presenting to the Parkinson Society of Southwestern Ontario. In this webinar, she will share the benefits of dance and movement for those living with Parkinson’s and their care partners.
Details
Wednesday, April 5th
12:00 - 1:00 pm EST
Location: Virtual
Register: click here
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Dance for PD® Intro Workshop
On April 13 and 14th, together with Dance for PD® founding teacher David Leventhal, DWP's Sarah Robichaud 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. As part of DWP's national expansion, building our team of specially trained instructors will allow us to run in-person dance classes across Canada!
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Online Demo: Pinecrest Queensway Community Health Centre
In partnership with the Multicultural Seniors Program, DWP will be leading an online demo class with the Pinecrest Queensway Community Health Centre. Our founder, Sarah Robichaud, will be leading this 45 minute class.
Details
Date: Wednesday, April 19
Time: 10:30 - 11:15 am EST
Location: on Zoom
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DWP is passionate about introducing our fun and beneficial program to new dancers near and far by offering free demo classes everywhere! To inquire about a demo class for your group, please email us.
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Irish Dancing on St. Patrick's Day!
Johnson Irish Dance, where our very own Robin McPhail Dempsey's daughter, Audrey, dances, performed at DWP's in-person class at Mary Ann Longlade Studio on St. Patrick's Day! How inspiring to see these talented young dancers moving with such joy, and what fun to come together for a proper Irish celebration!
To learn more about Johnson Irish Dance and to see their dancers in action, visit their website here.
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Forest Hill Public School Dancers!
We recently met Wing-Yee, an elementary school teacher at Forest Hill Public School, who has been joining our online dance classes on her lunch break in order to experience the benefits of moving to music that we all know and love. Inspired by the DWP Community, Wing-Yee introduced a morning dance routine with her grade 1 students which they have come to love! Stay tuned for details about a very special intergenerational program coming soon...
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Making Healthy Food Choices: Workshop #2!
On Wednesday, March 22nd, Geremy Capone, our favourite wellness chef, and registered dietician, Daniela Fierini, returned for the second in our series of three healthy cooking workshops. This month, in partnership with the Health Commons Solutions Lab's "Neighbours” initiative, we made no-bake snacks. Packed with nutritious ingredients, these high fibre, high protein, soft textured treats make the most out of every bite!
Looking forward to our next workshop coming up on April 19th. Stay tuned for details!
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Gladys Cormier
On March 14 we had the very special opportunity to hear from Gladys Cormier who wowed us with her stunning art. Gladys is a self-taught artist who is inspired by nature. Her art has been turned into postcards and sweatshirts which are available for purchase. Connect with Gladys @gladyscormier_artist to learn where you can pick up her beautiful pieces for your own collection. Thank you so much for sharing your work and your story with us, Gladys!
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Akhil Nair
DWP's wonderful Volunteer Outreach Coordinator, and a researcher at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Akhil Nair joined us on March 28th to share some of his research in the field of circadian rhythms (24 hr daily cycle based on sunrise and sunset). His focus is on their impact on DNA, and more specifically, how environmental influences translate into aging and complexed diseased states. His talk was incredibly informative and engaging. Thank you for a fascinating talk, Akhil!
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Our Slice of Life series offers opportunities for DWP participants to share stories, life experiences, hobbies and passions for all of us to get to know one another better and possibly, learning something new. These workshops take place every other Tuesday, immediately following the daily dance class.
Keep an eye out for our upcoming Slice of Life presentations for the month of March!
If you are interested in sharing a slice of your life, please contact akhil@dancingwithparkinsons.com.
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We hope that you have been enjoying our "Slice of Life" sessions! We have loved getting to know the DWP community better, hearing your stories, and learning about your interests and experiences.
In our effort to continue to improve our offerings and to ensure that we are serving you best, we would greatly appreciate your feedback on the "Slice of Life" program.
If you haven't already, please click below to complete our short survey.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
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Celebrating Parkinson's Awareness Month
In recognition of Parkinson's Awareness month, DWP and Passion for Parkinson's will gather together outdoors on April 29th for a celebration of movement and community! Stay tuned for details!
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Ontario Brain Institute Blog
DWP was thrilled to be featured on the Ontario Brain Institute blog recently with a fulsome piece about our work with people living with neurological conditions. OBI tells the story of how DWP came to be, and the impact our dance program is having from coast to coast. Click here to read the full post!
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"For half an hour every day I can relax, not worry about the progression of symptoms, and enjoy people's company from near and far who understand."
- DWP Dancer
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"I’m flying high and I am deeply grateful that DWP has supported me - and others like me - in growing strong enough, balanced enough, to soar!"
~ 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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