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Dear DWP Community,
One of the greatest joys of founding Dancing with Parkinson’s has been watching the Daily Dance Connect (DDC) community grow into something so much deeper than just an online program. We often hear about our dancers who have only ever met on Zoom over the years, making plans to see each other in real life!
This past month, I have been overwhelmed — in the best way — watching our dancers take these connections off the screen and into the world. From Glenda from Nova Scotia arranging to meet up with Bert and Winnie while she was in Ottawa, to the amazing group who gathered at Union Station’s Taco Bell to dance to “Cecilia” with a boombox in hand (which, for your viewing pleasure, you can click here to watch.) And then there was Loranna — who started taking the DDC in the early days — suddenly sitting on my couch, having flown in from Calgary. She brought her signature flair, including a bag full of costume glasses so we could “dress up” just like we do in class. It was surreal and perfect, and made it so very clear: this is about much more than movement. This is belonging. This is the true essence of everything I ever imagined for DWP.
It fills me with pride (and honestly, emotion) to see dancers going out for coffee after class, attending events together, and cheering each other on through life’s ups and downs. These aren’t just Zoom participants — many have become chosen family.
Watching these bonds blossom makes everything we’ve worked for so worth it. This is what DWP has always been about: joy, connection, and feeling seen. And through the month of June, that truth came to life in the most beautiful ways imaginable.
With love and gratitude,
Sarah Robichaud
Founder & CEO
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Sunny Summer Wishes to our Friends at Forrest Hill Public School!
It has been an absolute joy welcoming our Grade 1/2 friends from Ms Wing Yee’s class to the Daily Dance Connect every Friday throughout the school year. Their quick login before recess to dance along with us has added such a spark of joy to our community.
These few shared minutes are a powerful reminder of how dance transcends age, ability, and distance — bringing people together across generations through music and movement. But the connection goes far beyond dancing. The children have formed genuine bonds with many of our dancers. Whenever someone in our group has a birthday or is recovering from surgery, Ms Wing Yee encourages her students to create heartfelt cards and send warm wishes. These acts of kindness speak volumes — not only about her inspiring leadership, but about the important life lessons her students are learning: empathy, compassion, and the simple power of caring for others.
Thank you, Ms Wing Yee, for nurturing such a thoughtful and generous spirit in your classroom. You are truly shaping the next generation in the most beautiful way.
We’ll miss seeing this enthusiastic crew each week — but we wish them a joyful summer and look forward to welcoming Ms Wing Yee’s new class in September!
Click the button below to take a walk down memory lane with this Global News clip sharing our latest Intergenerational Dance Project with DWP dancers and the kids from Forest Hill Public School and Rosedale Day School. The work we do together really is so meaningful and memorable.
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It Feels Like Summer on the Daily Dance Connect!
"Sunglasses Day" on the DDC was such a fun and festive way to welcome the sunshine and celebrate the start of summer together!
The Daily Dance Connect is always such a special opportunity to move, laugh, and connect with old and new friends from across Canada and around the world, and Sunglasses Day made it even extra! Thanks to everyone who logged in to dance with us sporting their favourite shades!
Have you joined us on our free, online Daily Dance Connect yet? Let today be the day! Learn more and register by clicking the button below. We can't wait to welcome you!
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Season’s Change and the Spirit of Dance in Prince Edward Island
Every season, our Charlottetown-based dance family has a quarterly tradition of building a special "Season's Change" dance. This one, welcoming summer, a beautiful reminder that as the world turns, we keep moving — together — with joy, rhythm, and connection. It’s been wonderful to see our PEI dance family growing, and we are so grateful for the incredible work of our Charlottetown-based instructor, Julia. Julia’s passion for sharing the joy of dance shines through in every class, inspiring and welcoming all who join.
Dancing with Parkinson’s is about more than movement — it’s about building community and celebrating every season of life. We’re thrilled to see this spirit flourishing on Prince Edward Island!
Are you in the Charlottetown area? Come dance with us on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. Learn more and register via the button below!
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DWP's Brenda Gorlick Leads the Way at the "Walk to U-Turn Parkinson’s"
Brenda from Dancing with Parkinson’s was proud to take part in this year’s "Walk to U-Turn Parkinson’s" — an inspiring annual event that raises awareness and funds for U-Turn Parkinson’s, a Winnipeg-based charity dedicated to empowering people with PD to live their best lives.
As an important partner of DWP, U-Turn Parkinson’s helps us bring the joy of movement to the local community through our free, weekly in-person dance class for Winnipeg residents. At this year’s walk, Brenda was front and centre, leading an uplifting warm-up that got participants of all ages and abilities moving together with joy, energy, and purpose. It was truly heartwarming to see the community unite in support of a cause that means so much to both of our organizations. To enjoy a little snapshot of Brenda getting walkers ready to roll, click here.
If you’re in the Winnipeg area, we hope you’ll join us on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. to experience the power of dance and connection. Click the button below to learn more and register!
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Getting Ready To "Walk & Roll" at Dixon Hall!
DWP’s incredible Sarah Murphy-Dyson (aka “Sarah Too!”) brought her signature warmth, energy, and love of dance to the Dixon Hall "Walk & Roll", a community-focused fundraiser hosted annually in Downtown East Toronto to support its Seniors Services
She led participants in an invigorating dance warm-up that set the tone for an inspiring and inclusive day. The event brought together people of all abilities and ages, and Sarah’s enthusiasm helped ensure everyone felt welcome and part of the DWP family. It was truly a wonderful reminder of the power of community and movement!
To see all of the pictures from this fabulous event, click the button below!
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Dancing Together Across Generations at the South Georgian Bay Festival!
Having three generations of the Barrie family — Andy, his daughter Jess, and her son Pary — join us to dance at the South Georgian Bay Festival was one of the unforgettable highlights of June. Many of you know Andy as the inspiration behind Sarah starting Dancing with Parkinson’s 18 years ago, making their shared presence at this event all the more meaningful.
The festival, organized by our friends at Living Better with Parkinson’s, brought together community and celebration. Sarah, Louise Stewart-Potts, and Phoebe North — who lead DWP classes in the Collingwood area — had festival-goers moving and grooving to all the crowd favourites.
We were also honoured to hear from Neurologist and researcher Dr. Tony Lang, who shared fascinating updates on breakthroughs in early Parkinson’s diagnosis. It was a joy to reconnect with our friends at Spinning Wheels and Parkinson Canada, and to meet many local DWP community members — many of whom we only usually get to see online!
Click below to experience the magic of this special day for yourself!
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A Movement That's Bringing the Thorncliffe Park Community Together
Every Monday, this community space at Thorncliffe Park comes alive as residents gather to join DWP’s Daily Dance Connect — broadcast live with our wonderful instructor Robin, and DWP’s online family.
These “hybrid” dance classes are part of a groundbreaking initiative made possible through our partnership with Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation (TSHC) and the NORC Innovation Centre (NIC). Together, we’ve launched a program that blends the accessibility of virtual connection with the warmth and energy of in-person community. Thorncliffe Park is just one of the locations where we are sharing the joy and benefits of dance through this exciting approach.
Designed especially for seniors who face barriers related to income, language, or isolation, this free, welcoming class is transforming shared spaces into vibrant hubs of movement, laughter, and belonging.
It’s more than a dance class — it’s a lifeline of connection and delight, right in the heart of the Thorncliffe Park community. Click below to experience the power of this very special program.
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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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Dancing, Growing and Connecting as at Team!
We already know how extraordinary our team of instructors is — but when we come together for instructor development sessions, something truly special happens. These gatherings are more than just professional development; they’re vibrant moments of connection, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Whether we’re exploring new ways to bring music and movement to life, sharing stories from our classes, or diving into thoughtful discussions about accessibility, inclusion, and care, the energy in the (virtual or physical!) room is undeniable. These sessions remind us that we’re not just a team — we’re a community. And by learning from one another, supporting each other’s growth, and deepening our shared love of dance, we continue to strengthen the heart of Dancing with Parkinson’s.
Click below to see what next-level magic looks like.
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How Weekly Dance Impacts Speech in Parkinson’s
A recent pilot study, "A Pilot Study Comparing Speech Characteristics in People With Parkinson’s Disease and Controls Dancing Weekly Over 5-Years", in which DWP's own Sarah Robichaud was a co-author, explored the long-term effects of dance participation on voice and speech characteristics in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Over a five-year period, researchers observed that regular engagement in dance classes contributed to significant improvements in vocal strength, clarity, and expressiveness — key elements often affected by Parkinson’s. These positive changes help participants better communicate, boosting confidence and enhancing social interaction.
Though preliminary, the findings suggest that integrating sustained dance programs into Parkinson’s care could offer meaningful benefits for both physical and communicative well-being.
To read the complete article, click the button below!
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A "Slice of Life" with Marjorie!
We were thrilled to hear from Marjorie about yet another one of her absolutely remarkable adventures! This one took her to South Africa and Zimbabwe, where she embarked on a 16 day tour of the spectacular geography, wildlife, history and culture of this stunning and fascinating part of the world.
Marjorie, you are a wonder and your travel log is completely inspiring! Thank you for sharing your spectacular experience with us!
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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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Just want to let you know what a vibrant joyful class it was today. I’ve carried a glow all day from the experience. Many thanks for all you do!
~ Karen, DDC Dancer
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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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