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Dear DWP Community,
What a summer it’s been, filled with movement, joy, and beautiful reminders that no matter where we are, we are always connected through dance.
One of the most magical things about our community is how you continue to dance from everywhere, cottages, city apartments, backyards, and living rooms and how we all have the ability to be transported places through dance. With every gesture and rhythm, dance lifts us into worlds shaped by imagination, memory, and story.
We love seeing your smiling faces in new places, hearing about the breeze through your window or the quiet hum of your morning as you move. Each message, photo, and wave reminds us that we are on a shared journey together!
At DWP, distance doesn’t limit us. And every day, the Daily Dance Connect brings us together, 365 days a year, into the same creative space no matter where we are in the world.
So keep dancing. Keep imagining. Keep sharing. We’ll be right there with you, just a Zoom link away.
With love, movement, and the magic of summer,
Sarah Robichaud
Founder & CEO
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DWP Pop Up at Mara's House!
At DWP, we cherish the moments when our virtual and real worlds come together. For over five years, since the early days of the pandemic, you’ve welcomed us into your homes through Daily Dance Connect. So when we have the chance to join you in person, and log into DDC from your very own living room, it feels like something truly special.
Recently our very own Lainie Magidsohn traveled to London, Ontario to visit her new grandchild. Rather than miss class or request a substitute, she asked to lead it from the home of Mara, a longtime DWP dancer who lives in London.
This thoughtful gesture captures what makes Lainie and all of our instructors so special. They are not only gifted teachers but also deeply caring and community-minded. Even while juggling family and travel, Lainie found a way to create a special opportunity for connection with Mara, and brought the entire Daily Dance Connect community along through the shared joy of moving together to music.
That personal touch is at the heart of what makes Dancing with Parkinson’s so unique. For our instructors, this work is more than a job. It is a calling, rooted in the fundamental principles that shape DWP's ethos: connection, community and love.
Thank you, Mara, for opening your home to us, and for the reminder that there is nothing quite like dancing side by side.
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Dancing Through Generations: A Special Guest from LA!
In July, 15-year-old Shiloh from LA joined Sarah to co-lead the Daily Dance Connect — and what a memorable class it was!
Inspired by her love of horseback riding, Shiloh even choreographed a number for us to dance to, showing the power of storytelling and visualization to make movement accessible and meaningful for our dancers.
Shiloh brought creativity, imagination, and joy to every step, reminding us of the unique and universal way that art builds connection, through the screen, transcending seen and unseen barriers, and through the generations.
Thank you for joining us, Shiloh! You are a wonder!
Enjoy this beautiful experience for yourself by clicking the button below.
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Dancing Together in Regina, All Summer Long!
We are thrilled to share that our in-person dance class in Regina is in full swing this summer, thanks to generous funding from Parkinson Canada’s CARE Fund. These inclusive classes are designed specifically for people living with Parkinson’s and are open to anyone who wants to experience the joy, connection, and health benefits of dancing together.
Held weekly and led by a trained DWP Instructor, the Regina class brings people together to dance, offering a chance to connect, laugh, and move in ways that feel good for the body and soul (as seen here in this fantastic number choreographed to "Jump in the Line"!)
Too hot to head out? Rain...or...dare we way... SNOW in the forecast? No problem! We are excited to share that we are piloting a hybrid class in Regina on August 25th, so whether you prefer to dance with us in-person or log in from the comfort of home, you won't miss a moment of the magic!
Details:
Date: Monday, August 25th
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. CT
Location: On Zoom. Click here for the link!
For those of you who are in the area, we would love to welcome you to class! Click the button below to register and come dance with us! Whether in-person or online, we can't wait to see you!
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Celebrating Summer with Friends in Mississauga!
We love to see what our friends at DWP’s in-person class in Mississauga are up to, and in July, they came together to choreograph beautiful, lighthearted phrases inspired by their favourite summertime activities.
Each movement reflected something they love to do, like picking cherries, enjoying ice cream, feeling the sun, or spending time in the garden. The result was a joyful co-creation, weaving together personal memories and shared pastimes into a vibrant story told through dance. A true celebration of community, creativity, and the simple pleasures of summer. To watch, click here.
Are you in the Mississauga area? Come join us on Fridays at 11:00am. Click the button below to learn more and register!
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The Spinning Wheels Relay Team is on the Road Again!
Our wonderful friends Lloyd, Jim, and Mike from Spinning Wheels have hit the road to ride across-Canada once again, raising funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease in the local towns through which they are riding. As they go, they are meeting others living with PD, sharing stories, fostering connection, and shining a national spotlight on the power of movement and community.
Capturing his 2024 ride, Lloyd Taylor has penned his first book, "The Kindness of Strangers: Coast to Coast to Coast in 60 Days", a heartwarming and inspiring glimpse into his journey across the country and the impact of his experience along the way. "The Kindness of Strangers" is available for purchase here.
We look forward to welcoming the Spinning Wheels sensation back to the Daily Dance Connect, and to dancing with them at number of their in-person events on their route! If you're in the area, we hope you will come out and ride and/or dance with us!
Join DWP to Dance with Spinning Wheels at these locations:
- Wednesday, August 20th: Regina, Saskatchewan
- Thursday, August 21st: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
- Wednesday, September 10th: Peterborough, Ontario
- Saturday, September 13th: Toronto, Ontario
Follow the Spinning Wheels team's progress and get involved here.
To relive our memorable time shared with this remarkable crew in 2024, click the button below!
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DWP Dances at SuperWalks Across Canada!
Dancing with Parkinson’s is proud to once again lead the warm-ups for Parkinson Canada’s 2025 SuperWalks, taking place in communities across the country this September!
Parkinson Canada’s SuperWalk is the largest nationwide fundraiser for Parkinson’s disease, bringing together thousands of walkers each year to raise funds, build awareness, and show support for the over 100,000 Canadians living with Parkinson’s. It’s more than just a walk — it’s a powerful show of community, hope, and determination.
At DWP, we believe deeply in the transformative power of movement. Our partnership with Parkinson Canada is rooted in a shared commitment: to enhance the lives of people living with Parkinson’s through accessible, joyful, and health-boosting activity. Whether it's walking a trail or dancing in a circle, movement is medicine — improving physical strength, emotional well-being, and cognitive function.
We’re honoured to once again bring our energy and spirit to SuperWalk sites from coast to coast, helping participants stretch, sway, and smile their way to the starting line. Come warm up with us, walk with Parkinson Canada, and celebrate the power of community in motion.
Where we are dancing:
- Saturday, September 6th: Toronto, Mississauga, Ottawa, Peterborough and Regina
- Sunday, September 7th: Coburg and Vaughan
To relive the moments from the 2024 SuperWalk, click here, and to learn more about Parkinson Canada's SuperWalks via the button below.
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Light & Laughter with Louise at Errinrung LTC!
We were thrilled to be invited to lead a special dance class at Errinrung Long Term Care Home & Retirement Community in July! Louise, DWP’s incredible local instructor, brought her signature mix of warmth, creativity, and infectious energy, turning the space into a celebration of movement, music, and joy.
It was a delight to see dancers so engaged as Louise led the group through a series of accessible, imaginative sequences designed to awaken the body, spark the mind, and invite connection. Whether seated or standing, everyone found a way to participate, making the most of the opportunity to dance together. It was especially moving to witness the sense of community that filled the room — residents dancing side by side, laughing and encouraging one another.
To experience the joy that was felt in the room, click the button below.
Thank you to the Errinrung team for having us! We loved our time with you!
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Community, Connection, and a Whole Lot of Joy!
It was an extra special Sunday with the Humber community when Sarah brought the seniors together to dance. She felt right at home in this beautiful place that was overflowing with warmth, inclusion, and joy. Participants enthusiastically joined in with open hearts and eager feet, ready to move, connect, and celebrate together. At DWP, love is our special sauce too, so Sarah felt deeply at home dancing alongside such a welcoming group.
We look forward to dancing with the Humber community again soon!
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Accessibility in Action with Seniors at Dixon Hall!
In July, we were thrilled to lead a demonstration class at Dixon Hall, a community-focused organization in Toronto delivering a wide range of services aimed at helping to reduce poverty, combat social injustice, and address isolation for seniors, newcomers, and youth.
DWP’s wonderful instructor, Robin, guided the group through an expressive and accessible sequence of movement, filling the room with energy as participants experienced the many physical, emotional, and social benefits of dance in this warm and welcoming space.
We were honoured to be joined by Minister Cho from the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, who danced alongside his constituents from the Scarborough East community. His presence was a powerful reminder of how creative self-expression can bring together neighbours and friends of all ages and abilities.
Thank you to Minister Cho and everyone at Dixon Hall for having us! For a peek at our memorable afternoon, click the button below!
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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 Dance Instructors in Peterborough and Charlottetown!
Are you a passionate dance instructor looking to complement your artistic work with something deeply fulfilling? Or maybe this sounds like someone you know?
Dancing with Parkinson’s is seeking compassionate, creative teachers in Peterborough (Ontario) and Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) to help lead our in-person class for people living with PD and seniors in the local area. This is a meaningful opportunity to share your love of movement with a community that is eager to learn, connect, and grow, both physically and emotionally.
If this sounds like the right fit for you or someone comes to mind, we would love to connect! You can send us an email by clicking the button below. Thanks for helping us grow our incredible team of teachers!
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Step into Something Beautiful... Volunteer with DWP!
Do you have an hour a week and a big heart? Come be part of something joyful, meaningful, and movement-filled at Dancing with Parkinson’s.
We are currently seeking Dance Class Assistants for our in-person classes, and we would love to welcome you to the DWP family.
As a Dance Class Assistant, you will play an important role in helping people living with Parkinson’s and seniors experience the freedom, connection, and delight of dance in a safe and supportive environment. Whether it’s offering a steady hand, helping with setup, or simply sharing a warm smile, you’ll be making a real impact — no dance experience needed!
There are lots of ways to get involved at DWP, and we would love to welcome you in any capacity that might work for you! To learn more about becoming a Dance Class Assistant, or about the various ways you can give back to the DWP community, click the button below!
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Merci, Radio-Canada!
Throwing back to the day when Radio-Canada joined our amazing instructor Laetitia and the vibrant Thornhill community to capture the magic of our 17th anniversary fundraiser, "Rhythm of...", on March 31st. It was a joy to hear from one of our local dancers, and to share the energy, emotion, and spirit of DWP with Canada’s French-speaking audience!
To listen to the interview, click the button below.
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Dance: More Than Just Movement
According to research from Harvard Medical School, dance uniquely combines movement, rhythm, music, and social connection to activate multiple areas of the brain at once. Studies show that dancing can help improve memory, coordination, and balance—and it may even reduce the risk of dementia in older adults. For people living with Parkinson’s, dancing to a steady rhythm has been shown to improve walking, mobility, and confidence. Beyond the physical benefits, dance lifts our mood, eases stress, and helps us feel connected to others. Whether you're dancing in a chair, on your feet, or simply moving to the music in your own way, you're giving your brain and body a beautiful gift.
To read this full article, please click the button below.
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Through Your Gift of Movement, We Find Connection
To all of the donors and supporters of Dancing with Parkinson’s over the years, we want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank you. Truly — without you, we couldn’t do what we do. Your generosity makes it possible for us to reach people living with Parkinson’s disease across Canada and around the world, online, in person, and in congregate care settings, every single day of the year, entirely free of charge. Because of you, thousands of individuals who often feel isolated or alone are finding joy, connection, and movement through dance. You are helping to provide so much more than a class — you are helping build a community rooted in care and compassion. You are an essential part of this work, and from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.
If you’d like to get involved in showing your support, we would love to have you with us. Together, we can reach even more people and make an even more profound impact.
Every bit counts. To learn more or to contribute, click the button below.
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"I am fortunate to be attending the Dancing with Parkinson's classes in Thornhill. The instructor, Laetitia, is amazing! Her energy, cheerfulness, radiant smile, good humour and positivity are all fantastic and contagious. Her classes are an absolute joy and bring happiness to all of us. We are indeed more than blessed to have such an inspiring and special person encouraging us to be the best we can be. We all love her!"
~ Joel, Dancer in Thornhill
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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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