For more information on how to get involved in Dance for Parkinson’s please contact:
Dance for Parkinson’s Australia Team
P: 1800954382 (please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible) | E: hello@dancepdau.org
ZEST: Dance for Wellbeing presents the popular weekly dance program in the ACT specifically designed for People with Parkinson’s and other challenges. Enjoy the fun and challenge of working your brain, your body, your memory and your imagination in this fun filled class. No previous experience is necessary. Family, friends and carers also welcome.
Participants will be led through a carefully planned program of appropriate, enjoyable and engaging dance activities, suitable to all levels of mobility and ability, by a team of very experienced dance teaching artists.
ZEST: Dance for Wellbeing – for people living with Parkinson’s
Days/Time: Tuesdays 1:15-2:30pm; Fridays 12.00-1.00pm, concurrent with ACT school terms.
Venue: Belconnen Art Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen, ACT
Tutors: Jacqui Simmonds and Philip Piggin, plus guest teachers.
Contact: Philip Piggin
Phone: 0417 417 182
Email: ZestDWB@gmail.com
More info: https://www.belcoarts.com.au/zest/
What to wear: Comfy non-restrictive clothing, soft shoes or bare feet.
Dates: Concurrent with ACT school terms.
Parking: 4 Disability parking spaces are available at the Arts Centre carpark. Further 2 hour free parking is available at Westfields Belconnen, diagonally opposite the arts centre.
Cost: $15/class, $120 for the 10 week term. Companion card holders receive free admission for a Support Companion, and paid carers are free also.
Supporters: The ZEST program is supported by The Hospital Research Foundation Group – Parkinson’s, Ausdance ACT, Belco Arts, Tuggeranong Arts Centre and Canberra Dance Theatre.
ZEST: Dance for Wellbeing – for people living with Parkinson’s
This popular weekly dance program is also presented at Tuggeranong Arts Centre in south Canberra. Enjoy the fun and challenge of working your brain, your body, your memory and your imagination in this fun filled class, specifically designed for People with Parkinson’s. No previous experience is necessary. Family, friends and carers also welcome.
Participants will be led through a carefully planned program of appropriate, enjoyable and engaging dance activities, suitable to all levels of mobility and ability by a team of very experienced dance teaching artists.
Days: Wednesdays
Time: 11:15am-12:30pm
Venue: Tuggeranong Art Centre, 137 Reed St, Greenway, ACT
Tutors: Jane Ingall and Philip Piggin, plus guest teachers.
Contact: Philip Piggin
Phone: 0417 417 182
Email: ZestDWB@gmail.com
More info: https://www.tuggeranongarts.com/whats-on/dance-for-wellbeing/
What to wear: Comfy non-restrictive clothing, soft shoes or bare feet.
Dates: Concurrent with ACT school terms.
Parking: Parking is available in 2 carparks adjacent to the Arts Centre.
Cost: $15/class, $120 for the 10 week term. Companion card holders receive free admission for a Support Companion, and paid carers are free also.
Supporters: The ZEST program is supported by The Hospital Research Foundation Group – Parkinson’s, Ausdance ACT, Belco Arts, Tuggeranong Arts Centre and Canberra Dance Theatre.
Website: https://dance4all.online/class-videos
Free 45min. seated class
Website and Registration: https://virtualy.ymca.org.au/fitness/fitness-on-demand/dance-on-demand
Dance for Parkinson’s and Wellbeing
Dates: Thursdays during Victorian school terms
Time: 10am-10:30am (morning tea), 10:30am-11:45am (dancing)
Venue: Hampton Seniors Centre, 14 Service Street Hampton (online during lockdown)
Tutor and Contact: Shannon Parsons
Phone: 0417071364
Email: shannonparsonsaus@gmail.com
What to wear: Clothes you are comfortable exercising in
Price: The first class is free, then $10 per class
To register
More info: https://dance4all.online/
Supporters: Bayside City Council
Dance for Health and PD
Dates: Mondays, concurrent with VIC public school terms
Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm
Contact: Katrina Rank
Phone: 0416 383 865
Email: katrinamrank@gmail.com
More info: https://katrina-rank.squarespace.com/dance-for-health-and-parkinsons
What to wear: Comfy non restrictive clothing, soft shoes or bare feet.
Parking: Free parking is available on one side of Pender Street, next to the dance studio
Cost: $15 per class
Tutor: Katrina Rank
Dance for Neurobalance
Dates/Times: Wednesday, 12:00pm-1:00pm with social time following class. Friday, 12:00pm-1:00pm with social time following class
Venue: Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Studio Room 1, 1 Grace Street, Hawthorn, VIC 3122
Parking: Behind Coles Local. First hour free and paid parking there after
Tutors: Paris Wages and Gabi Stanger with guest teachers
What to wear: Comfortable clothes to move in and bring a water bottle
Price: Casual rate is $6.00 for everyone
Registration: https://hawthorn.boroondaraleisure.com.au
For more information and to register contact: Paris Wages
Phone: 0449 058 360
Email: quixoticdancetech@gmail.com
More info: https://dance4all.online/
Supporters: YMCA Victoria and the City of Boroondara
Online via Zoom
When: Mondays
Time: 3:30pm-4:30pm
Cost: $12
Book via the website
Contact: Jess Conneely
Phone: 0419449578
Email: jess@dance4wellbeing.com
Website: https://dance4wellbeing.com.au
Online via Zoom
Dates: Wednesdays
Time: 1.00pm-2.00pm
Registration: DANCE FOR PARKINSON’S REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION
A great exercise and dance class to keep strong, active and creative in your living rooms! Classes are taught with various teachers and we welcome and encourage you to join this class.
Venue: Margaret Whitlam Recreation Centre
Waverley Park, Bondi Road, Bondi Junction. (near Council Offices)
Dates: Wednesdays, in line with NSW school terms
Time: 11:30am–12:30pm
What to wear: Comfy non-restrictive clothing, soft shoes or bare feet, and a smile
Cost: $10/class, partners and/or carers free
Parking: Drop off point: Nelson Street at Centre’s Nelson St door behind council office in car park or Bondi Road. Street parking or in council car park behind council chambers on Bondi Road.
Contact: Cathie Goss
Phone: 0414 067 045
Email: dance@dancepdau.org
Venue: PJ Ferry Community Hall
Corner Bellevue Parade and Blakesley, Allawah NSW 2218
Dates: Fridays, in line with NSW school terms
Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm
Parking: Street parking available
What to wear: Comfy non-restrictive clothing, soft shoes or bare feet, and a smile
Contact: Cathie Goss
Phone: 0414 067 045
Email: dance@dancepdau.org
Venue: Seniors Centre
Civic Centre, Mosman Square, 573 Military Rd, Mosman
Dates: Fridays, in line with NSW school terms
Time: 10:15am-11:15am
What to wear: Comfy non-restrictive clothing, soft shoes or bare feet, and a smile.
Cost: $10/class, partners and/or carers free
Contact: Cathie Goss
Phone: 0414 067 045
Email: dance@dancepdau.org
More info: Mosman Council Website
Venue: Pennant Hills Community Centre
Corner Yarrara Road and Ramsay Road (in Library building), Pennant Hills
Dates: Mondays, in line with the NSW school terms.
Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm
Parking: Street parking available
What to wear: Comfy non-restrictive clothing, soft shoes or bare feet, and a smile.
Contact: Cathie Goss
Phone: 0414 067 045
Email: dance@dancepdau.org
Venue: Kingswood Neighbourhood Centre
19 Bringelly Rd, Kingswood
Dates: Every second and fourth Thursday of the month
Time: 11.00am-12.00pm
Cost: $10 or by donation
Contact: Vivienne Ross
Phone: 0404 836 921
Email: barravivz@iinet.net.au
Organised by the Nepean Blue Mountains Parkinson’s Support Group – www.nbmpsg.org
Venue: Hannaford Centre – 608 Darling Street, Rozelle
Dates: Thursdays
Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm
What to wear: Comfy non-restrictive clothing, soft shoes or bare feet and a smile.
Parking: Drop off point: Nelson Street at Centre’s Nelson St door. Metered parking on Nelson Street.
Contact: Cathie Goss
Phone: 0414 067 045
Email: dance@dancepdau.org
Classes paused
Contact: Margaret Connor
Phone: 02 4861 2294 or 0466 166 866
Email: margaretvconnor@gmail.com
Venue: Julie Ross Dance Studio
1/22 Isles Drive, North Boambee Valley, Coffs Harbour
Day: Wednesdays, school terms only
Time: 10.30am-11.30am
Cost: $10 per person
Contact: Julie Ross
Phone: 0402 137 171
Email: jrdance_au@yahoo.com
Venue: The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Hall
Corner of James St and George St, Morpeth
Dates: Fridays, following school terms
Time: 10:00am–11:00am
Class Description: 60 minutes class, followed by morning tea.
Contact: Mikola
Phone: 0401 902 898
Email: mikola.lee23@gmail.com
Website: https://www.huntershimmysisters.com/parkinsons
Dates: Tuesdays, in school term dates
Warners Bay Theatre: 11:00am-12:00pm
Class Description: 1 hour class of inclusive fun movement & music, morning tea & occasional social events
Cost: $15 casual rate, discount available for 5 and 10 dance card passes.
Contact: Jess Conneely
Phone: 0419 449 578
Email: jess@dance4wellbeing.com
Website: https://dance4wellbeing.com.au
Contact: Jaye Cartwright
Phone: 0401 200 720
Venue: Bomaderry Community Centre
Dates: Tuesdays
Time: 11:00am-12:00pm
Class Description: Dancersise/movement classes
Venue: Wentworth Falls School of Arts
217-219 Great Western Highway, Wentworth Falls
Dates: On Thursdays in line with NSW school terms and NO CLASS on the third Thursday of every month.
Time: 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Class Description: Enjoy one hour of gentle exercise to favourite music seated and standing. A qualified movement facilitator will offer participants an integrated and creative experience to encourage self-confidence, mobility, mental and physical wellbeing.
Cost: By donation
Contact: Vivienne Ross
Phone: 0404 836 921
Email: vivienne@bmpsg.org
or
Contact: Natasha Cesco
Phone: 0466 249 252
Email: natcesco@gmail.com
Venue: The Dance Warehouse Australia
Unit 17, The Palm Shopping Centre, 58-62 Simpsons Ave, Wollongbar, NSW
(Ground floor level, wheelchair accessible, purpose built air-conditioned studios)
Dates & Times: Thursdays 11.00am
Cost: $10/class for people with Parkinson’s, partners and/or carers free
What to wear: Comfortable, non-restrictive leisure wear clothing, soft shoes or bare feet, and a smile.
Class Description: Gentle, fun, low impact exercise work out for all ages, all stages, all levels, all abilities to keep you moving. No dance experience is required. Guided movement to music In chairs, supported, or standing, including progressive warm up and dances leading to longer flowing phrases for a continuous flowing sense of movement, we explore elements of dance in a stimulating, enjoyable, non-pressured, social environment.
Parking: Plenty of free untimed centre parking available. Handicapped parking available.
Contact: Monique
Phone: 0411 306 430
Email: info@balletcoaching.com
Dates: Mondays
Time: 10am-11am
Venue: Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Dance Studio – Ormsby Terrace, Mandurah
Cost: $15 per class and includes coffee/tea/biccy/chat afterwards (*A 10-Class Card is $130). Carers/supporters attend free of charge
Teachers: Paige Gordon and other DPDWA qualified teaching dance-artists
Contact: 0411 243 317 or lifespan.dance@gmail.com
Class Description: Lifespan Dance Seated Dance Classes are a wonderful way to enjoy dance in a safe and supported space which can be useful for people with neurological conditions such as Parkinsons, MS and limited mobility or balance concerns. The dance classes begin seated, warm the torso, spine, upper body, arms and feet through choreographed sequences which are taught inclusively. For the second half of the class, there are stand up options (using the chair for balance) for plie, stretches and choreographed sequences. Endorsed by Dance for Parkinson’s Australia and led by qualified dance professionals, these quality classes are a satisfying way to incorporate exercise, stretching, rhythm, expression and joy! Stay for morning tea afterwards to chat with fellow dancers, and enjoy the vista of the Mandurah Estuary.
Website: www.lifespandance.com
Dates: Fridays
Time: 11:30 – 12:30 pm
Venue: Wembley Community Centre, 40 Alexander St, Wembley
Cost: $15 per class and includes coffee/tea/biccy/chat afterwards (*A 10-Class Card is $130). Carers/supporters attend free of charge
Teachers: Paige Gordon and other DPDWA qualified teaching dance-artists
Contact: 0411 243 317 or lifespan.dance@gmail.com
Class Description: Lifespan Dance Seated Dance Classes are a wonderful way to enjoy dance in a safe and supported space which can be useful for people with neurological conditions such as Parkinsons, MS and limited mobility or balance concerns. The dance classes begin seated, warm the torso, spine, upper body, arms and feet through choreographed sequences which are taught inclusively. For the second half of the class, there are stand up options (using the chair for balance) for plie, stretches and choreographed sequences. Endorsed by Dance for Parkinson’s Australia, and led by qualified dance professionals, these quality classes are a satisfying way to incorporate exercise, stretching, rhythm, expression and joy! Stay for morning tea afterwards to chat with fellow dancers.
Website: www.lifespandance.com
Dates: Wednesdays
Time: 10:00am-11:00am
Venue: Koorliny Arts Centre – Hutchins Way Kwinana
Cost: $15 per class and includes coffee/tea/biccy/chat after class (*A 10-Class Card is $140). Carers/supporters attend free of charge
Teachers: Paige Gordon, Liz Cornish and other DPDWA qualified teaching dance-artists
Contact: 9467 7118 – Box Office at Koorliny Arts Centre
Class Description: Lifespan Dance Seated Dance Classes are a wonderful way to enjoy dance in a safe and supported space which can be useful for people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, MS and limited mobility or balance concerns. The dance classes begin seated, warm the torso, spine, upper body, arms and feet through choreographed sequences which are taught inclusively. For the second half of the class, there are stand up options (using the chair for balance) for plie, stretches and choreographed sequences. Endorsed by Dance for Parkinson’s Australia, and led by qualified dance professionals, these quality classes are a satisfying way to incorporate exercise, stretching, rhythm, expression and joy! Stay for morning tea afterwards to chat with fellow dancers.
Website: www.lifespandance.com
Bookings: 0411 243 317 or lifespan.dance@gmail.com
Description: Lifespan Dance Seated Dance Classes can be arranged for those in our community that cannot attend studio classes. Outreach classes mean the teaching dance artists bring the dance to you! Lifespan Dance’s success is in leading classes in aged care homes, residential villages, hospitals, staff development days, social centres, wellness days and conferences, as well as online over ZOOM. The bespoke classes can be catered to suit the participants, their needs and interests.
Dance can offer physical and social benefits for people of all ages. At Queensland Ballet we invite members of the community affected by Parkinson’s Disease to join us for fortnightly specialised dance classes.
Dance teachers from the local community, along with dancers from the Company, lead participants in 75 minute classes inspired by the Company’s repertoire. People at all levels of mobility and ability are welcome. Carers, partners and friends, are also welcome to participate. No dance experience is necessary.
Dates: Saturdays
Times: 11:30am – 12:45pm
Venue: The Thomas Dixon Centre (home to Queensland Ballet), 406 Montague Road West End 4101
Cost: See costs at Queensland Ballet website (includes complimentary entry for carer/friend). Casual attendance is subject to availability.
Cash, credit cards and EFTPOS payments accepted.
Register for Queensland Ballet classes here
Phone: (07) 3013 6666
Email: community@queenslandballet.com.au
In October 2013, Queensland Ballet commenced a pilot program of weekly dance classes for people affected by Parkinson’s. Working with David Leventhal from the Mark Morris Dance Group, Parkinson’s Queensland, and Brisbane-based Dance for PD Specialist, Erica Rose Jeffrey, Queensland Ballet delivered 30 classes to over 60 participants from around Brisbane. The pilot was accompanied by a research project with Queensland University of Technology’s Creative Industries (Dance) and Health (Movement Neuroscience) faculties and The University of Queensland’s Health and Behavioural Sciences (Physiotherapy) faculty to analyse the social and physical benefits of the program. The pilot concluded in July 2014, and the findings of the research were released in 2015.
Dates: Classes Paused
Time: 10:00am-11:00am
Location: Held at QUT Kelvin Grove campus, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove QLD 4059
Cost: Classes are free
Email: ericarose@dancepdau.org
Dates: Classes Paused
Time: 10:00am-11:00am
For more information and to register contact: Liesl: 0460 941 460
Email: liesl@madetomovecairns.
Dates: Tuesdays
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm (includes refreshment after class)
Location: Riverside Gardens Community Centre, 55 Riverside Blvd, Douglas QLD
Cost: $5 per person
For more information and to register visit: http://www.dancenorth.com.au/vital-dance
Contact: andrea@dancenorth.com.au or (07) 4772 2549
For mobility & wellbeing
These classes offer the joy of dance to people with mobility issues due to health conditions such as Parkinson’s, MS, Stroke, post Polio, and other neurological conditions or aspects of ageing such arthritis, osteoporosis, reduced joint mobility or less muscle strength and flexibility, etc. or from illness, surgery, etc. The carefully planned classes are welcoming, fun, social and beneficial for physical health, brain stimulation and overall wellbeing. Similar to the Dance for PD model, classes are offered in the Noosa Region including Tewantin, Noosaville and sometimes other locations by Gail Hewton who has over 40 years professional dance experience.
Website: https://ripedance.com.au/
Dates: Each Friday during school terms
Time: 2:00pm-3:15pm
Venue: The Forum, Laguna Estate Retirement Village, 13-21 Lake Weyba Drive, Noosaville. Venue is wheelchair accessible.
Take the 2nd Village entrance off Lake Weyba Drive.
Cost: $13 per class or $11 for pensioners – Carers who attend to assist are free
To register or for more information contact Gail:
Phone: 0411 720 391
Email: ripedance@gmail.com
Dates: Each Tuesday during school terms
Time: 11:30am-12:45pm
Venue: Masonic Hall, Moorindil Street, Tewantin
Cost: $13 per class or $11 for pensioners – Carers who attend to assist are free
To register or for more information contact Gail:
Phone: 0411 720 391
Email: ripedance@gmail.com
Yes, You Can Dance! – for the Tewantin-Noosa Parkinson’s Support Group
Gail also works at times with the Tewantin-Noosa Parkinson’s Support Group to offer a series or term of dance classes specifically for Support Group members. Please contact Gail for more information 0411 270 391 or ripedance@gmail.com
Dates: Tuesdays
Time: 10:30am-11:30am
Venue: Clem Jones Centre, 56 Zahel Street, Carina QLD 4152
Email: ericarose@dancepdau
Dates: Classes Paused
Times: 9:30am-10:30am
Venue: Labrador Community Centre, 57 Billlington Street Labrador
Cost: $5
To register or for more information contact:
Phone: 1800954382 Email: hello@dancepdau.org
Dates: Classes paused
Time: 9:30am-10:30am
Venue: Mermaid Beach Community Centre/ 2439 G. Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Contact: Carol Kettlewell
Mobile: 0431 818 573
Cost: $5 per couple
Dates: Classes paused
Time: 10:00am-11:00am
Venue: Dance Diversity 1/8 Hawker Street Currumbin Waters
Cost: $5
To register or for more information contact:
Phone: 1800954382 Email: hello@dancepdau.org
Dates: Tuesdays
Time: 11:00am-11:45am
Venue: Radiance Dance Academy, Shop 5, Meibusch Street, High Street Shopping Centre, Rangeville Toowoomba
Cost: $5 per class members
To register or for more information contact: Radiance Dance Academy
Phone: Sally Andrew 0437 012 653
Venue/Address: Clarence Park Community Centre, 72 East Avenue, Black Forest (enter via automatic glass doors on Canterbury Tce).
Designed to accommodate the needs of older people with varying levels of mobility and balance (including those with Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders), the general class format is to commence seated in chairs and progress to standing behind the chairs (for balance support, if required), and then to a travelling exercise. However all exercises can be modified. For example, a standing/travelling exercise can be performed seated.
Movement sequences drawing on a variety of dance styles (including classical ballet, contemporary dance, jazz ballet and Spanish flamenco), are choreographed to music chosen from genres such as jazz, classical, contemporary and 50’s/60’s/70’s tunes. Each dance exercise is retained for several weeks.
No previous dance experience is required – the goal is fun! Partners/carers are welcome to participate too!
Day/Time/Dates: Fridays, 10.00am-11.00am followed by morning tea by donation
Block 3: 6th Aug – 24th Sept, Block 4: 15th Oct – 17th Dec
Cost/Registration: $10 cash only
Tutor/s: Veronica Shum
Mobile: 0402 235 592
Email: veronica_shum@hotmail.com
Website: www.veronicashum.com
What to Wear: Clothing should be comfortable and facilitate movement. Footwear should be either flat well fitting shoes with decent grip, bare feet or grippy socks.
Dates: Tuesday mornings
Time: 10:30am – 11:30am
Venue: Don Pyatt Hall (beneath Norwood Concert Hall)
Corner The Parade and George St Norwood (through the sliding glass doors)
Cost: $10 per person per class (or $15 when accompanied by family member or carer)
Contact: Lisa 0427 456 110
What to wear: Comfy non-restrictive clothing, soft shoes or bare feet
MADE in SPACE Movers + Shakers
Dates: Wednesdays
Time: 10:30am-11:30am
Venue: Community Hall, South Hobart Living Arts Centre, 14 Weld Street, South Hobart
For more information and to register contact:
MADE Movers & Shakers
Shirley: 0419117587 or dance@madecompany.com.au
Cost: $10/session or $80 for 9 weeks (concessions negotiable)
What to wear: Comfortable clothing including warm jumper or jacket. Shoes with non-marking soles.
Online via Zoom
When: Mondays
Time: 3:30pm-4:30pm
Cost: $12
Book via the website
Contact: Jess Conneely
Phone: 0419449578
Email: jess@dance4wellbeing.com
Website: https://dance4wellbeing.com.au
Dates: Mondays, online during school terms
Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm (Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra)
Venue: Online via Zoom
For more information contact: Katrina Rank
Phone: 0416383865
Email: katrinamrank@gmail.com
To register: Zoom meeting registration
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
More info: https://dance4all.online/
Dates: Wednesdays
Time: 1.00pm-2.00pm
DANCE FOR PARKINSON’S REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION
Venue: Online via Zoom
Cost: These zoom classes are free to attend
A great exercise and dance class to keep strong, active and creative in your living rooms! Classes are taught with various teachers and we welcome and encourage you to join this class.
FREE Dance for Neurobalance class on the YMCA Victoria website: https://virtualy.
Class information
In Classes based on the Dance for PD® program, everyone—persons newly diagnosed with PD, others with walkers and wheel chairs, family members, friends—are welcome to participate.
The goal is to provide the highest quality dance and music experiences for Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers. Classes focus on possibilities rather than limitations and bring dance to people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to take part in these types of creative activities.
No experience is necessary.
Classes start seated, move through a progressive warm-up and build to improvisation and learning of new movement sequences. They are open and appropriate for all levels.
Classes based on the Dance for PD® program follow one fundamental premise: professionally-trained dancers are movement experts whose knowledge is useful to persons with PD. Dancers know all about stretching and strengthening muscles, and about balance and rhythm. Dancers know about the power of dance to concentrate mind, body and emotion on movement because they use their thoughts, imagination, eyes, ears and touch to control their bodies every day.
Classes integrate movement from modern and theater dance, ballet, folk dance, tap, improvisation, and choreographic repertory. They are an aesthetic experience using the elements of narrative, imagery, live music and community to develop artistry and grace while addressing such PD-specific concerns as balance, flexibility, coordination, isolation and depression.
The classes engage the participants’ minds and bodies, and create an enjoyable, social environment that emphasizes dancing rather than therapy. Active demonstration by professional dancers inspires participants to recapture grace, while guided improvisation fosters creativity, and experimentation with movement.
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