“When I first heard of this group I was so touched and surprised that anyone would think of something so magnificent and drastic as trying to teach all of us slowpokes to dance. What a marvel…I had pretty much settled into my life as a wallflower. If there is anything that sidelines you, exacerbates your sense of constriction and inhibition it is Parkinson’s. If there is anything that calls for expression, demonstration, drama, movement, expression and liveliness it is dance. What mad person first thought of combining such dead opposites. I’m awash with curiosity but also with sheer gratitude that they thought of us and made this magic happen. I can’t tell you what a treasure it is, how much it means to me that someone should even suspect us of sequestering ballerinas in our hidden hearts but they do exist and how kind of you to ask us to dance. It truly means so much.”

I want to thank you for teaching the class and sharing your expertise with those of us with PD. I just loved the class. I always wanted to be involved in dance and now I will be able to do this. I did not have to explain to anyone why I moved differently and that was such a freeing feeling. Thank you again for developing this program!!!

“I look forward to this class every other week.”

“The DFPD classes are definitely supportive. Feels good to be with a group of people who share my feelings and concerns.”

“I have been suffering from PD for the last 5-6 years and the left side of my body has been affected esp the left leg and hand. The left side felt heavy and it was very difficult to move it. Doctors suggested physiotherapy, but I heard about the dance class and was interested in pursuing this as I prefer music and dance over just plain exercise.As with regular exercise you feel lazy and tend to procrastinate, but dance and music are both more stimulating. Earlier, people wouldn’t understand my speech but now, after 3 months of regular sessions, it is more controlled and my tongue doesn’t feel as numb as it used to. I move more freely and confidently now. The music rhythm helps me to know when to start, when to stop and i can control my speed of movement. Besides, it has helped my concentration, grasping power and memory thus leaving me more confident. I don’t shy away from using or riding my two-wheeler anymore either.”

“Movement to music is very important to me.”

“It has been wonderful to get out and experience music, dance, and fun.”

“This is a fantastic class that makes living with PD easier for all of the reasons mentioned above. The improvement in mobility and increased energy impact every part of my life. The piano is much appreciated as are the creative, professional, and dedicated dancers who lead the class.”

“It has been great! I have amazing vitality after this class.”

“The classes help me feel physically better, which helps my mood. It helps with my balance and gait issues. I have met many new friends with PD at varying levels of PD. It helps me be hopeful. The PD classes are a wonderful addition to my weekly exercise routines. The classes are a good challenge, but generally within my PD capabilities.”

“After class, I find myself feeling lighter, more present, aware, inspired, hopeful, empowered.”

“I love this class.”

“When I’m in dance class, I feel like I don’t have Parkinson’s any more.”

“I like everything about the class; the teachers, the music, the way it pushes me to do more things with my life than I would otherwise.”

“Before I came to the class I felt alienated from my body. The dance class makes me feel like a dancer because I am dancing.”

“The class provides a feeling that some of my future life incorporates opportunities that will be fulfilling, and therefore empowering.”

“This dance class has nothing to do with PD. The participants are not patients. No one is telling them what they should do, or can’t do because they have Parkinson disease. The focus is not illness; it is living. It is self-expression, human connection, joie de vivre, beauty, love. It’s magic; it’s precious.”

“S. says this class was the most fun he’s had in his 12 years with PD, and that he has not laughed with his wife like that in a long time.”

“D. who is wheelchair bound pointed out to all of us that he actually stood up and “danced! D. also expressed how important this class was, and the joy it brings him.”

“I may not dance well but I can dance. Most important there is a fun way through dance that can make me feel better on a daily basis.”

“During class I feel something like elation. But mostly the good feeling I have before and during class—and it is a good feeling—is the absence of the feeling of discomfort that accompanies the physical symptoms of PD.”

“It’s amazing what people in this class do; I can’t get over it. Who would have thought persons with PD could dance?”

“It’s nice not to be clumsy. It’s wonderful to be in control and be somewhat graceful again.”

“When the dancers move their arms, they look like swans. And you try to do the same.”

“The class helps me think about a certain kind of movement, and explore that movement, that I might not otherwise have encountered just walking around. It shifts my perspective and makes me think about things in an entirely new way.”

“I don’t know if it happens to everyone, but I lose my symptoms when I’m there. And the pleasure of the experience is that it’s not a therapy session. They teach us as if we were any students, and that makes me feel good.”

“It forces me to exercise and get out of the house.”

“The best part of the program was improved coordination and muscle strength and enhancing self esteem.”

“I don’t want to stop the class….keep it going.”

“The best part of the program was the patience of the instructors. They made if fun.”

“I have upper and lower extremity lymphedema—this has been great for my body and balance and coordination.”