Dear DWP Community,

I am writing this with a full heart (and still a full suitcase!) after returning from the 7th World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix. Honestly, I am still trying to find the words for what we experienced there together.

The World Parkinson Congress is unlike any other gathering in the world. Scientists, neurologists, researchers, rehabilitation specialists, therapists, service providers, advocates, care partners, artists, and people living with Parkinson’s come together from across the globe with one shared purpose: to make life better for those living with the disease and the people who love and care for them.

This year, woven deeply throughout that global conversation was dance, and we were honoured to have a prominent place at that table alongside our partners from Dance for PD.

Everywhere we turned, there was curiosity, openness, collaboration, creativity, science, and humanity. There was an overwhelming desire to better understand how we can support people in living fuller, more connected, expressive, and meaningful lives.

Our session, "Deconstructing a Dancing with Parkinson’s Class: Multidisciplinary Opinions and Perspectives", became a powerful exploration of the "why" behind what happens inside a DWP class. Together with David Leventhal, Dr. Priti Gros, Dr. Judith Bek, and the voices of people living with Parkinson’s and our community, we examined dance through scientific, neurological, artistic, emotional, and lived lenses. We explored how the artistic elements of dance intersect directly with neuroscience, brain health, emotional wellbeing, mobility, cognition, and quality of life outcomes.

Our poster session provided another incredible opportunity to share the impact of our work and the growing body of evidence supporting dance and community-based arts programming for brain health. Researchers, clinicians, therapists, caregivers, advocates, and people living with Parkinson’s stopped to ask questions, exchange ideas, share stories, and connect. The enthusiasm and openness were extraordinary.

What became increasingly clear throughout the Congress is that a global movement is taking shape — one that recognizes healthcare must include creativity, connection, purpose, expression, and community. That dance is not simply a "nice to have." It is an essential part of a more holistic approach to brain health.

That message feels especially meaningful this month. June is Seniors Month in Ontario, with the theme "Ontario Seniors—Let's Get Moving", and June 15th – 21st marks Seniors Loneliness Awareness Week. Again and again, we heard stories that reinforced what we witness every day at DWP: movement is powerful, but connection is transformative. Dance offers both. It is a social prescription that combats loneliness and isolation while supporting physical, emotional, and cognitive wellbeing.

But perhaps the moments that moved me most deeply happened outside the formal sessions.

Meeting dancers from around the world who recognized us from the Daily Dance Connect. Hugging people who dance with us every morning from communities we have never physically visited. Hearing stories of how DWP became part of someone's daily routine, emotional support system, or lifeline during isolation. Watching faces light up as people met their online dance family in person for the very first time.

It was impossible not to feel the truth of the Congress theme song: "You Are Not Alone."

Those words were not just sung — they were lived. You could feel them in every hallway, every conversation, every dance, every tear, every shared laugh, and every hand reached out to another person.

One of the most moving experiences of the entire Congress was the Closing Ceremonies performance, which I had the privilege to co-create with Sabine Woertman, a Dance for PD teaching artist from the Netherlands who also lives with Parkinson’s. What an extraordinary gift it was to work with her.

What began as a simple invitation became something much bigger. We recruited dancers from hallways, sessions, conversations, and even the street outside the convention centre. We simply asked people to say yes.

And they did.

In many ways, this entire Congress was about saying yes. Yes to curiosity. Yes to creativity. Yes to connection. Yes to vulnerability. Yes to one another.

Some of the individuals who joined us had never danced before in their lives. Yet there they were — showing up to early morning rehearsals in a public space, stepping into uncertainty together, learning movement, creating something meaningful, laughing, connecting, and trusting. Strangers becoming a community in real time.

And that trust was everything.

Together, we stepped onto the stage to embody, through movement, the message that echoed throughout the Congress: You Are Not Alone.

What struck me most, however, was that the performance did not end when we walked off stage. The dance continued into the hallways, the audience, the conversations, the embraces, and the joy. People stayed open. Stayed connected. Stayed together.

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.

That is the essence of what we do.

Dance opens a door that many people do not even realize is closed. A door to expression. Creativity. Courage. Humanity. Healing. Belonging. Love.

It gives people permission to be open. To be brave. To be playful. To be vulnerable. To be fully themselves.

And when that happens, even for a moment, something extraordinary unfolds.

We left Phoenix inspired, energized, emotional, and more committed than ever to continuing this work. The world is listening. The world is curious. And perhaps most importantly, the world is beginning to understand what all of you have known for a long time:

Dance changes lives.

To every dancer, volunteer, instructor, care partner, donor, researcher, clinician, supporter, and friend of DWP — thank you for helping us build this community together.

You are not alone.

We are here to dance with you every single day.

All my best and all my love,

Sarah Robichaud
Founder & CEO

Dancing Together at the World Parkinson Congress Closing Ceremonies!

The closing ceremonies were nothing short of spectacular. Sarah, together with co-choreographer Sabine Woertman, led a breathtaking moment of artistry, community, and celebration — one that brought the entire Congress to a deeply moving close.

Together they recruited dancers wherever they went, choreographed on the fly, and rehearsed in every space they could find. When the moment arrived, the stage was full of movement, courage, connection, and joy. It was a fitting and powerful finale: a living, breathing expression of the message that has always been at the heart of what we do. Dancing with Parkinson's helped close the World Parkinson Congress with those deeply resonant words — You Are Not Alone — with dance, music, humanity, and understanding as the through line that unites us all.

DWP is Hiring: Director, Programs & Impact

Are you a strategic leader who is passionate about creating meaningful change?

We are seeking a Director, Programs & Impact to lead and strengthen our programs, support and mentor staff, build impactful partnerships, and help shape the future of our organization.

This senior leadership role is responsible for ensuring our programs deliver meaningful results, tracking and communicating impact, and using evidence-informed decision-making to drive continuous improvement and growth. The successful candidate will bring a combination of strategic thinking, strong people leadership, and a commitment to helping communities thrive.

If you're excited by the opportunity to lead with purpose, foster innovation, and make a measurable difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Learn more and apply by clicking the button below!

Calling all Dance Instructors in Peterborough, Charlottetown, Collingwood and Fredericton!

Dancing with Parkinson's is looking for dance teachers to lead our in-person classes for people living with Parkinson's and seniors in Peterborough, Charlottetown, Collingwood and Fredericton.

If you're passionate about sharing the joy of movement and believe in the power of the arts to improve health, well-being, and connection, we'd love to hear from you. This is an opportunity to use your artistic skills in a meaningful way while helping to create welcoming, supportive spaces where participants can build confidence, community, and quality of life through dance.

Join a dedicated team that is transforming lives through music, movement, and connection — one dance class at a time. If you're interested or know someone who might be, please contact us at info@dancingwithparkinsons.com.

The Gift of Dance for Moms and Dads

It’s that time of year when we celebrate moms and dads — a moment to honour those who are with us and to remember those we hold close.

In recognition of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Dancing with Parkinson’s invites you to make a gift in honour of your mom, your dad, or both. Your support helps us continue bringing movement, connection, and joy to people living with Parkinson’s and seniors, which the Fernandes family has experienced firsthand. 

For just $30, you can give one dancer an entire month of unlimited opportunities to move, connect, and belong. 

DWP has Places to Go and Dance Classes to Deliver!

On the heels of a wildly successful time at the World Parkinson Congress, we are excited to keep spreading the joy and benefits of dance with people living with PD, other neurological conditions and all seniors across the country! We have our sights set on dancing with new friends on the East Coast, as well as in Quebec so that we can build our French-language offering leading up the the 2029 WPC in Quebec City.

We need your help to get there! Please donate Aeroplan points! It is so simple: click here to log into your account and donate your extra unused points!

Survey reminder: Daily Dance Connect Survey - Your Input Matters!

Are you a dancer with DWP's online Daily Dance Connect? We are interested in learning more about your experience with the Dancing with Parkinson’s program. Your feedback will help us understand what’s working well, and where we can make things better for everyone.

This quick survey should take about 10-15 minutes to complete. Your participation is completely voluntary; please feel free to skip any questions you are not comfortable answering. Rest assured that your responses will remain anonymous. Only our evaluator will see the full results, and we will not include any identifying details when we use your feedback for internal purposes and/or any grant/funder reports.

Please complete the survey by June 15th if possible.

Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts — your honest feedback is important to us!

A Special Daily Dance Connect with Mirvish Productions!

We were delighted to enjoy a unique sponsored edition of the Daily Dance Connect thanks to our friends at Mirvish Productions, who partnered with DWP to share the magic and musicality of "A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Story". Together we moved (and sang!) through some of Neil Diamond's greatest hits, including a DDC favourite: "Sweet Caroline"!

The experience felt especially meaningful given Neil Diamond's own journey with Parkinson's disease. His music has long brought people together through shared memories, storytelling, and joy — qualities that are also at the heart of every DWP class. Music and movement create opportunities for connection, self-expression, and belonging, reminding us that even in the face of challenges, there is always room for creativity, community, and joy.

"A Beautiful Noise" is playing at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto until June 7th, 2026. Click below to watch us celebrate Neil Diamond in DWP's favourite way!

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.