DWP & Koffler Dance Workshops

For the last several years, DWP and Koffler have been presenting a series of experiential dance workshops together, taking place within various art exhibitions at Koffler, just for DWP Dancers. 

On December 10-15, 2020, we presented our first virtual workshop with The Koffler Gallery and their current artist in residence Catherine Bush, entitled: WRITING & DANCE where participants joined author Catherine Bush, and DWP Founder Sarah Robichaud to explore the relationships between writing and dance.

2020 Study by The Evaluation Centre for Complex Health Interventions

In 2020 The Evaluation Centre for Complex Health Interventions undertook to examine the impact and mechanisms of action of the virtual dance classes, along with areas of improvement:

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• 60% participate between 4 to 7 classes per week with DWP.

• 80% report improving energy levels and mobility

• 51% report reduced feelings of isolation

• 64% report reduced feelings of depression

• 80% of respondents indicated that the virtual dance classes made the physical distancing during the pandemic more bearable

Intergenerational Dance Project:

BRIDGING GENERATIONS THROUGH DANCE

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Thanks to the New Horizons For Seniors Program and the Ontario Arts Council DWP been producing an annual Intergenerational Dance Project since 2017. We embarked upon our 3rd project entitled, “Bridging Generations Through Dance” in 2019.

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This project brings our DWP dancers together with young dancers from the School of CCDT to create an original piece of dance and art that was shown to the public on February 24th 2019 at Daniel Spectrum Theatre. 

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For more information visit the Intergenerational Dance Project website. 

Dance to Change the World:

The Foundation & The Flash Mob

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In 2019, The generous Dance2Change The World Foundation selected Dancing With Parkinson's as one of its beneficiaries for funds raised through their efforts. We are so grateful to partner with this amazing organization!

The mission of Dance2Change The World® is to bring positive change to the world through a global movement of social healing that builds community across cultures and belief systems.​ Dance2Change The World® Goals are:

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• Foster INTERFAITH harmony across different faith groups of the world through various aspects and expressions of dance and choreography.

• Encourage greater INTERGENERATIONAL connection between people of all ages and stages through insights, shared dance experiences, and fun activities.

• Cultivate INTERCULTURAL exchanges between music, art, and dance to create compelling media; it is inclusive and brings healing to social issues.

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D2C Flash Mob 

On November 5th, we participated in the Dance2Change Flash Mob in their efforts to join the Guiness Book of World Records, and bring attention to their fantastic cause! Thanks to all the DWP folks who came out and supported the event with us!

FABULOUS
FUNDRAISERS

DWP has been holding fundraising events since our very first year In order to keep our Parkinson's Dancers Dancing. Over the last 12 years, we've almost tripled our net donations raised at our annual fundraiser! 

First International Symposium on Dance & Wellbeing!

On May 25th 2018, our Founder, Sarah Robichaud, along with her fellow instructors, Miriam Schacter and Robin Dempsey, presented an experiential workshop at the First International Symposium on Dance and Wellbeing hosted by Les Grands Ballet Canadiens in Montreal.

DWP & AGO Talks & Workshops

In partnership with the Art Gallery of Ontario DWP offers talks and workshops for seniors, exploring creativity and expressive freedom. 

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In February 2021, DWP's Executive Director Sarah Robichaud and the AGO's Arts Educator Lauren Spring, specially curated a series titled "Golden Groove". These events provided an inclusive opportunity for all seniors to combat isolation and come together to explore dance and celebrate the trailblazing aesthetics, performance styles and social freedoms connected with the Studio 54 era.

Muir Foundation Host Annual Charity Golf Tournament for DWP!

Thank you to Muir Sales and the Muir foundation for hosting the 3rd annual DWP Charity golf tournament in September of 2019.   We all had an amazing time and even the golfers were dancing! Thank you to the event staff, volunteers and attendees for helping to keep our dancers dancing. 

DWP at the Brain Bonanza Exhibit at the Canadian Museum of Nature

On June 9th 2018, DWP had the opportunity to present demo classes at the Canadian Museum of Nature in association with The Ontario Brain Institute’s Brain Bonanza exhibition. Both, Sarah Robichaud (Founder of DWP) and Lhara Eben (DWP Instructor) had so much fun showcasing the work that DWP does every day. DWP would like to extend a big thanks to the Ontario Brain Institute and the Canadian Museum of Nature for hosting an intellectual, interactive and stimulating event which helped showcase the research, neurotech and interactive activities related to brain health from the Ontario neuroscience community.

DWP at The Victory Summit

On October 14th 2017, Sarah Robichaud got the whole crowd of 700 dancing at the Victory Summit conference!

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The conference is an international event that provides an opportunity for everyone to learn about the most up to date advancements in Parkinson’s related matters and connect with others to share their stories.

Sarah Robichaud speaks at ‘Healing in the Arts’ talk at UHN April 28th

On April 28th 2017, our executive director Sarah Robichaud delivered a talk to patients, families and the medical community about the healing benefits of Dancing with Parkinson’s at Western Hospital.

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The whole audience had a chance to experience the joy of moving to music!

Our Founder Sarah helps out a First Nation Community with Dance! Pikangikum First Nation Intergenerational Dance Project

In the 2017 School Year our Founder, Sarah Robichaud, took many of the DWP methods to a very underserved First Nation community in crisis. The result was a stunning performance for the community on June 7th, 2017. The piece was based on the personal stories of the seven sacred teachings.

Read Toronto Star Article.

DWP was so honoured and grateful Dr. Norman Doidge and John Pepper for coming to present to the DWP dancers about the neuroplasticity benefits associated with exercise! Dr. Doidge is a bestselling author of The Brain That Changes Itself and The Brains Way of Healing. He chronicles working with John Pepper who after 40 years of living with PD has managed to minimize many of his symptoms due to a method he refers to as 'conscious walking'. Our students were all very intrigued and inspired to continue to move and stay active in a conscious way.

Norman Doidge and John Pepper Present to DWP

Ontario Brain Institute Evaluation Update. 

DWP,  along with the Evaluators from The Centre of Complex Health Interventions have successfully completed a one year evaluation funded by the Ontario Brain Institute. 

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The purpose of this evaluation was to develop a deeper understanding of the mechanisms through which the program impacts the lives of DWP participants and their caregivers.  

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Enjoy the evaluation video created by the Ontario Brain Institute Team:  Dancing with Parkinson's Evaluation Video

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