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Dear DWP Community,
What a joyful and creative start to 2026 it’s been!
We kicked off the year back on the West Coast, returning to communities that made one thing very clear in November: they want to dance!
Our first free weekly in-person class in Penticton welcomed more than 25 dancers, care partners, and loved ones into our dance space, and from the very first moment it felt golden…like home and family. This class has been growing already thanks to an extraordinary circle of humans — our incredible teaching artists Donna, Hailey, and Claudia, whose warmth and artistry are shaping something truly special. A giant thank you to our community champion, Nikos Theodosakis, whose leadership and vision helped bring everyone together.
After Penticton, we made our way back to Vancouver where the creativity and connection kept flowing. We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Lesley Telford, Founder and Creative director of Inverso Productions. As our lead teaching artist, there is so much imagination and collaboration ahead!
We were also honoured to welcome renowned neurologist, Dr. Tiffany Chow, to our full house community class, who shared powerful insights into why dance is such a transformative tool for people living with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions.
And then…we danced — with over 30 dancers and partners filling the room with incredible energy. We can’t wait to launch regular workshops leading up to our first weekly Vancouver class on April 14th!
Now we turn toward the biggest celebration of our year — DWP’s annual fundraiser — the event that fuels all of this growth. It’s our chance to gather, celebrate creativity and resilience, and raise the funds that allow us to reach more dancers — always free of charge — online around the world, in remote communities across Canada, and in congregate settings where access is limited.
Thank you for being such an essential part of this journey. I can’t wait to celebrate, connect, and make this our most impactful year yet.
Let’s dance,
Sarah Robichaud
Founder & CEO
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On April 10th, Dancing with Parkinson’s will bring together dancers, care partners, families, friends, students and supporters — in-person and online, from coast to coast — to raise $170,000 and ensure that more than 6,000 seniors and people living with Parkinson’s disease worldwide can continue to access movement, connection, and joy for free, every single day!
“Dance Me to DWP” is a signature intergenerational workshop celebrating the poetry and artistry of Leonard Cohen, brought to life through the electrifying movement and musicality of Ballets Jazz Montréal (BJM). Performers from BJM will lead DWP guests gathering at locations across the country and on Zoom from around the world through original choreography set to the music of this iconic Canadian legend.
We hope you will join us to celebrate 18 years of bringing people together, in-person and online, to build community, express creativity, and nurture belonging.
Click the button below to learn more about this very special event, and the many ways you can get involved!
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Partner with “Dance Me to DWP” and be part of a nationally celebrated event where artistry drives impact. Your sponsorship supports free, life-enhancing programs, strengthens community, and elevates the lived experiences of participants from coast to coast and around the world, 365 days a year.
Click here or the image above to explore available sponsorship opportunities!
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Our time in BC was about so much more than growth — it was about deepening connection. Alongside training new volunteers and continuing our creative development with instructors, we were gifted the opportunity to truly get to know our partners and collaborators on a more personal level. There is simply nothing like an in-person conversation, a shared laugh, or a heartfelt hug to remind us why this work matters so deeply.
We were thrilled to have Ian Gerbrandt and Thea Wood from the Seniors Outreach and Resource Centre join us for teacher training in Kelowna where they were able to witness the DWP method first hand. With a Kelowna class set to kick off in early March, momentum is building and we’ve got a great crew to support another exciting launch!
In Penticton, we felt honoured to get some quality time with Nikos at his family’s former Greek restaurant — a powerful reminder of the deep community roots fuelling this expansion.
We were delighted to welcome Dr. Grace Park from Fraser Health Authority, Alisa, Cynthia and Kristina and the BC Brain Wellness Program, and Dan Dumsha of Improv for Work and Wellness to our Vancouver community class. And our course our deeply valued friend Richard Mayede and his sister Naomi who will be volunteering with us as a dance class assistant.
From inspiring classes to thoughtful exchanges behind the scenes, every moment of this most recent launch trip was especially meaningful. This coast-to-coast expansion is a testament to the passion, collaboration, and shared commitment of so many, and has most certainly strengthened our community.
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Come Dance with us in Penticton!
DWP is now offering in-person classes every Friday in Penticton! We had the most wonderful time reuniting with DWP's incredible Okanagan-based teaching team and together launching the inaugural specialty dance class for people living with PD in the area! The room was buzzing with good energy as we danced and celebrated together. Click here or on the image above to experience it for yourself!
Very special thanks to our phenomenal team of instructors, Hailey, Claudia and Donna, and volunteers, local champions like Niko, and partners like Parkinson Society BC for being part of making this happen — we could not do it without you!
Date: Weekly on Fridays
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Penticton Community Centre, 325 Power Street, Penticton
To register for the Penticton class, click here!
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Weekly Workshops in Vancouver!
On January 26th, Sarah led a very special community class at The Dance Centre for our new friends in Vancouver, as seen here and above! She was joined by a very special guest, renowned neurologist and long-time ally of DWP, Dr. Tiffany Chow who connected with dancers and shared why movement is so important for people living with various neurodegenerative conditions.
Thanks to your enthusiasm and support from Parkinson Society British Columbia, DWP will be offering regular workshops over the coming months leading up to our official launch of weekly in-person classes on April 14th!
Weekly Workshops in Vancouver:
Date: Tuesdays, February 24th, March 3rd, 10th, 31st, April 7th
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Location: The Dance Centre, Scotiabank Dance Centre, Jarislowsky, 3rd Floor
To RSVP for a drop in classes, click here!
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Turn Your Aeroplan Points into Joy, Connection, and Movement
DWP is expanding and we need you to help us fly! We’re excited to share a new way to support Dancing with Parkinson’s: by donating Aeroplan points! Through the Aeroplan Member Donation Program, Aeroplan Members can turn their points into meaningful support that helps DWP reach new communities, launch classes, and train instructors and volunteers across Canada. As our programs continue to grow, this kind of support is especially powerful, allowing us to show up in person, respond quickly, and bring the joy and connection of dance to people living with Parkinson’s who need it most.
Give purpose to your points and help us get where we need to go to keep dancers dancing, wherever they are! Click the button below to learn more and get started!
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Upcoming Teacher Training at the National Ballet School with Dance for PD® & DWP!
We’re excited to announce a two-day teacher training at the National Ballet School, led by David Leventhal, founding teacher of Dance for PD, alongside DWP’s own, Sarah Robichaud.
Designed for dance artists and instructors interested in working with people living with Parkinson’s, this immersive training shares best practices rooted in the internationally recognized Dance for PD® method.
Are you a dance teacher? We would love to have you join our incredible team of instructors! To learn more and apply click the button below.
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We also invite our Toronto-based community to a special in-person class on February 27th, 11:00 - 12:00 p.m. at the National Ballet School (NBS), led by David and Sarah. And for our Daily Dance Connect dancers, it will be a special day having David join Sarah to co-lead the online class “live” on location from the National Ballet School. We hope you'll join us!
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Partnership is at the heart of Dancing with Parkinson’s. By joining forces with like-minded organizations that support people living with Parkinson’s and seniors, we are able to extend our reach and deepen our impact. It is an honour to work alongside so many incredible partners and leaders in the field, and to celebrate our shared commitment to the communities we serve.
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New Advanced Dance Class in Winnipeg!
We’re thrilled to announce that the Manitoba Arts Council will be providing funding for a new Advanced (Orange/Red) dance class through our incredible partner in Winnipeg, U-Turn Parkinson’s, and led by our phenomenal instructor, Brenda Gorlick!
Adding a new option to the already hugely popular Green/Yellow class, this offering is designed for people living with Parkinson’s who can move independently with minimal restrictions, this advanced class will deepen motor function, challenge the brain, and support cognitive engagement through movement, choreography, and creative expression. Click here or on the image above for a sneak peek of what dancers co-created!
Thanks to the support of the Manitoba Arts Council, we are honoured to deepen our partnership with U-Turn PD so that together we may reach a wider network of people living with PD so we can continue offering what they want and need, rooted in creativity, connection, and well-being.
If you're in the Winnipeg area, we hope you will come dance with us! Click the button below to go to the U-Turn PD website where you can learn more and register!
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Breaking Down the Language Barrier in DWP's Latest Hybrid Class
In partnership with NORC Innovation Centre, Dancing with Parkinson’s has launched our newest hybrid (online and in-person) dance class at a central Toronto Seniors Housing building in the downtown core. The in-person class is led by our sensational instructor, Phoebe Chu, who teaches in both Mandarin and Cantonese — creating an immediately welcoming and inclusive space.
The energy in the room for our first class was palpable. Dancers joked, laughed, and danced alongside new friends, and the sense of connection was unmistakable. A building representative shared that many residents don’t know their neighbours, however after class, a number of participants were exchanging contact information so they could connect between DWP sessions.
We are very grateful for the opportunity to share the joy of music, movement, and community with another incredible group of dancers.
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“Mime Over Mime” Workshop with Barbara and Sarah!
We are so grateful to Barbara Salsberg-Mathews and Sarah Martens for sharing their love and expertise in therapeutic mime with the DWP team! What an inspiring opportunity to learn more about this powerful art form, and to discover how we can apply mime to our dance classes, thanks to support from the Parkinson Canada CARE Fund.
Rooted in centuries-old movement traditions, mime is emerging as an effective therapy for people living with Parkinson’s — supporting balance, gait, coordination, and everyday movement through imagery and motor memory.
We love seeing learning turn into action: Laetitia has already begun integrating these techniques into her Thornhill class this week, bringing fresh creative tools directly to our dancers.
Thank you again, Barbara and Sarah! We are so excited to continue sharing this expressive work across our DWP classes.
To see what we got up to during the workshop, click the button below!
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From coast to coast, dancers are experiencing the joy and benefits of moving together to music with Dancing with Parkinson’s. Our aim is to make our programs accessible, inclusive, and to meet you where you are.
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"Winter Schminter" at Regent Park!
At a recent Regent Park class, a couple of our amazing dancers, a fabulous mother-daughter duo, turned our time together into a dance party! We can’t think of a better way to beat the winter woes. Click here or on the image above to get into the groove!
Are you in Toronto's east end? Come dance with us at Regent Park! Learn more and register here!
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Making Magic at Thorncliffe Park!
DWP's Hybrid Class at Thorncliffe Park is booming! We are blown away by the fantastic turnout of people not only joining us to dance, but by seeing this wonderful community come together and lighting up the room. Dance is just the "reason" — it's the connections that make these classes so magical...
Click here or above to see the magic happen!
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Fun with Feathers in Thornhill!
This incredible crew is up for everything! We're so impressed to see them trying some of the mime tools that our amazing instructor, Laetitia Clément, learned from Barbara and Sarah just recently.
Click here or the image above to check it out, and if you're in the Thornhill area, we definitely encourage you to come and try for yourself!
Register by clicking here.
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DWP's Online Standing Class!
Have you tried DWP's free weekly standing class? Join us on Thursdays to experience something a little different that encourages balance and builds strength and stability.
As we approach the year of the horse, we hope you enjoy this beautiful and festive throwback celebrating Lunar New Year in 2025!
For more info and to register, click here!
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Experiencing a DWP class firsthand is the best way to understand its impact, so in addition to our regular 30+ weekly in-person and online classes, we are always on the go offering demonstrations, presentations and webinars. Here is where we shared the magic this past month!
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Sharing Movement, Joy, and Connection
We’ve been having the best time leading demos and dancing with new friends through the beginning of 2026. So far this month, we have been offering a number of introductory classes through the Council on Aging in Ottawa, as well as connecting with the community at Montgomery Place later in February. We look forward to getting to know the folks who will be joining the NORC's (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities) upcoming spring event!
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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 at info@dancingwithparkinsons.com.
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"Passing on your Life Stories" with Carol Williams-Wong
We were thrilled to hear from Carol who shared her experience writing five published memoirs including "Letters to My Grandchildren" and "Conversations with a Hakka Dragon Lady", and how documenting her life stories has helped her connect with family and inspire others to do the same.
She touched on her Chinese and Jamaican histories and cultural traditions, and showcased how our DWP community can write their own memoir like she did, leaving a legacy for future generations and others to enjoy.
Carol, your work is beautiful and so very moving! We are so grateful to you for sharing your art with us.
To watch the recording, click the button below.
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Dance Classes for People with PD Coming to Vancouver
We are so grateful to CBC Vancouver for helping us share the good news that on April 14th, DWP will be launching weekly classes for people living with PD, other neurodegenerative conditions and all seniors in Vancouver! Stay tuned for more details!
Click here to watch!
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Calling All Volunteers!
Volunteers play a vital role in creating a welcoming, safe, and supportive space where dancers can feel comfortable to move and express themselves. This is meaningful, heart-led work — an opportunity to give back to a beautiful community through art, connection, and self-expression.
Join us and be part of something that truly makes a difference in the lives of others! Click the button below to learn more about the various volunteer oppportunies available with DWP.
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I attended the Dancing with Parkinson's. I thought it was amazing. The lead instructor was superb as were the volunteers and the other instructors. I felt immediately welcomed and part of a warm group.
The combination of effort on the part of the instructors, the message they were bringing to us as motion debilitated seniors, their lively enthusiasm, and the music playing in the background, all of it added up to be a spectacular hour spent.
~ New DWP Dancer in Penticton, British Columbia
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Dance with Us Anytime, from Anywhere!
Did you know that DWP has a YouTube channel with Daily Dance Connect classes? So you can log in from wherever you are, whenever you like to dance! Watch this space as we'll be adding new DDC videos over the course of the year.
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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 below to make a donation to help keep our programs free of charge for all who wish to participate.
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