Joan Meggitt, MFA, is the Senior Manager of Neurological Programs at Playhouse Square, a globally recognized arts district and the nation’s premier home for touring Broadway. Through Playhouse Square’s Arts & Minds initiative, launched in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic, Meggitt designs and implements performing arts programming for people living with neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease.

Meggitt has taught dance for people with Parkinson’s since 2013. She was the inaugural and lead instructor for Yes, I Can Move! dance classes at InMotion (2015-24) and has also led classes for individuals with a range of disabilities for Cleveland Clinic, Tour de Fox, a program of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, University Hospitals, and Verlezza Dance, in partnership with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
 
Meggitt has taught, created, and performed dance with people of all ages and abilities for more than 30 years, both in the United States and abroad. She has published research in creativity, pedagogy, dance for PD and Multiple Sclerosis, and dance and disability. Meggitt served as director of education and community engagement with GroundWorks DanceTheater (2022-24), associate professor of dance at Kent State University (2005-19), founding director of Antaeus Dance (2001-17), and director of the Allegheny Summer Dance Intensive (1999-2015). Her work in dance, education, and community continues to be inspired and informed by countless artists, educators, scholars, students, and community members. Meggitt enjoys meeting people where they are and discovering the possibilities together. She prioritizes community and cultivates meaningful connections through dance, music, and creativity.

Photo: Dale Dong