Dear DWP Community,
As we head into November, I am reflecting on how quickly the month of October passed. It has been an incredibly challenging time for so many across the globe. The news of these recent weeks has been alarming and consuming, and our hearts go out to all who are suffering.
During our in-person and online dance classes, we witness beautiful acts of kindness, care and support for one another. It is in these moments that I am reminded that dance truly can break down barriers, and that together we collectively continue to create an inclusive, welcoming community.
Some days, it is easy to think that we are “just dancing”. But especially in difficult times, both in the world and in our day-to-day lives, DWP is committed to creating a space where we can share movement and music, while listening to and learning from one another. A place of compassion and connection, where we welcome people exactly as they are — one where strangers become friends, and friends become family.
Thank you for continuing to share your energy with us. The DWP team and I are privileged to be a part of something that, in the hardest, darkest times, can offer some joy and light.
Sending you peace and love,
Sarah Robichaud
Founder & CEO
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Whether we come together in-person or online, one thing we are never short on is moments of magic. Through moving as a community we tap into our vitality, expression and the boundless capacity of the human spirit — and it fills our hearts. We simply love dancing with you.
Click here to enjoy some of these moments that we feel so lucky to witness and share with you.
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Happy Halloween from DWP!
This community does "dress up" like no other, and what better time to bring some fun than on Halloween, with costumes, characters and lots of laughs! Thank you dancers for helping us get into the spooky spirit.
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DWP's Annual Report is now online!
Check out what we've been up to at DWP over the past 12 months! Click here to download the 2022 - 2023 Annual Report.
Thank you for being such an important part of our ongoing growth and expansion as we continue to reach and engage more dancers from coast to coast.
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DWP is a GEEK Recipient!
We are thrilled to share that DWP has been selected as one of the Ontario Brain Institute's 2023 cohort of GEEKs!
It is truly an honour to stand alongside other leaders who are working to understand and optimize brain health for Ontarians. The other recipients of this year's funding are: Rare Dementia Support Canada, Easter Seals Canada, and Canada’s Games Complex.
Thank you, OBI, for supporting our work and helping us share the joy and benefits of dance with people living with Parkinson's and other neurological conditions.
To learn about the incredible community work of the winning organizations, click here.
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Introducing Laetitia!
Have you met DWP’s wonderful Thornhill teacher, Laetitia?
Originally from France, Laetitia graduated from l'Ecole Supérieur de Danse du Québec. Her spectacular dance history includes touring internationally and dancing in the Opening Ceremonies at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
In addition to being a highly certified and well-regarded dance teacher, Laetitia is a Silver Swan Licensee, a Hatha Yoga instructor, and part of the Dance Faculty at Georges Brown College, as well as a company teacher for the Ballet Jorgen of Canada.
10 years ago, Laetitia opened L'Arabesque Ballet in Thornhill where she teaches all ages and levels, and prepares students for their RAD Ballet examinations.
Trained in the Dance for PD® Method, Laetitia is grateful and excited to have the fantastic opportunity to share her passion and joy of dance with DWP dancers!
Have you tried our newest class in Thornhill yet? We would love to see you there! Click here for more information and to register.
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Join our In-Person Class in Ottawa!
DWP's newest in-person class is launching in Ottawa! We can't wait to dance with you on a weekly basis!
Date: Every Wednesday starting on November 29th, 2023
Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Location: Amberwood Village Golf Club, 54 Springbrook Drive, Stittsville, ON
This class is open to people living with Parkinson's disease and their care partners. For more information, click here:
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DWP is Coming to Prince Edward Island!
We are thrilled to announce that DWP is launching dance classes in PEI! Sarah and the DWP team will be heading to Canada's east coast from November 16 - 19th to train new instructors, hold community classes and work with the community to initiate ongoing, weekly classes in partnership with the PEI Parkinson's Association's local PD dance group, the Movers and Shakers!
Are you a person living with PD in the Charlottetown area? If so, we would love to dance with you at our community class!
Date: Sunday, November 19th
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm AST
Location: Central Christian Church, 223 Kent Street, Charlottetown, PEI
Refreshments to follow.
Please click the button below to RSVP!
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Have you tried Broadway Dance?
Join us online on Mondays at 1:00pm EST to learn choreographed routines to all the hits with Sarah "Too"!
Through the month of October, in preparation for Halloween, the Broadway Dance troupe learned a routine to “Little Shop of Horrors”. If it wasn't so much fun, we're sure it would be terrifying!
Date: Every Monday
Time: 1:00 - 1:45pm EST
Location: on Zoom
To learn more and to register, click here:
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"I Met the Walrus" Workshop with Jerry Levitan!
In October, DWP's great friend, Jerry Levitan, joined us online to share his story about the time he interviewed John Lennon.
In May 1969, Jerry, then a 14-year old Beatles fan, tracked John Lennon and Yoko Ono down in their room at the King Edward Hotel when they were visiting Toronto. He convinced John and Yoko to do an interview with him about peace on a tape recorder borrowed from CHUM Radio. Years later, Jerry created a short animated film in collaboration with Yoko Ono, documenting his experience meeting them. The short film was nominated for an Academy Award and ultimately won an Emmy. Lennon's message "Give Peace a Chance", the central theme of the interview, still resonates today.
We all thoroughly enjoyed Jerry's re-telling of this historic meeting. If you weren't able to join us, click here to watch the recording!
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DWP Dances with the Regent Park Community at Fun Fest
On October 28th, we spent the day celebrating the season at Fun Fest with the Friends of Regent Park community. Sarah "Too" led the crowd in a rousing rendition of the "Monster Mash", and we all had a great time dancing, enjoying the weather, and catching up with our partners and friends in Regent Park.
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Keith Strachan: Flight of Fancy
Keith is an avid bird watcher, skilled photographer and accomplished artist. He has learned how to capture beautiful photos of birds which he then draws and paints into beautiful digital art pieces. Keith is also a very engaging storyteller who captivated us not only with his birdwatching tales, but also with his journey to honing and perfecting his craft. Thank you for sharing your story, Keith!
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Marjorie Sorrell: In the Wake of Vikings
On Marjorie's incredible trip from Iceland around the tip of Greenland with Adventure Canada, she had fascinating experiences in this spectacularly beautiful part of the world. Marjorie met brilliant Knowledge Keepers who shared the wonder of Iceland and Greenland, the pristine landscape, stunning scenery and wonderful culture.
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Paloma Olan: The Origins and Traditions of the Day of the Dead
From Paloma we learned about the unique and interesting ways that Mexicans face death and the deceased: with colour, food and music. The Day of the Dead is a two-day celebration of the passageway between the living world and the spirit world to honour and celebrate deceased loved ones. Thank you, Paloma, for this beautiful and very special presentation.
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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.
We want to hear your story! If you are interested in presenting a slice of your life, please contact akhil@dancingwithparkinsons.com.
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We love dancing with you "live" at the Daily Dance Connect class every day at 11:00am, but we know that sometimes schedules or energy levels don't align. Don't you worry: we've got you covered so that you can join whenever it suits you!
Check out Dancing with Parkinson's YouTube channel for access to recorded classes that you can enjoy at any time.
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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 classes improve my self esteem -- I am always so impressed with myself when I can keep up. But even when I can't, the instructors are so accepting! They are caring, welcoming and motivating, no matter what. Thank you!
~ 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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