Playhouse Square’s Arts & Minds initiative, in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic, has celebrated one year of arts programming for people with neurological disorders within the Northeast Ohio community. Throughout the year, free classes and special opportunities are available for those with Parkinson’s and their caregivers with the goal of enhancing the health and well-being of people with Parkinson’s, celebrating community and cultivating joy in a fun and participant-centered environment.
As year two is officially in full swing, we decided to take a look back at some fun facts and stats about our Dance for Parkinson’s classes!
547 – The number of participants in year one of the program. Dance for Parkinson’s started out with great interest and our dedicated group of attendees is still going strong!
4 – The number of guest artists in year one of the program. Artists from Pacific Paradise Entertainment led three master classes. They shared the culture, language, music, and movements of Hawaiian Hula and participants learned an ancient and a modern Hula.
1 – Number of live piano accompanists – Karin Tooley! Participants rave about Karin’s talents and music.
3 – The number of teaching staff at Dance for Parkinson’s classes. Joan Meggitt, Heather Young, Tori Zegarelli are all trained by Dance for PD®, and Joan is a Certified Dance for PD® Teacher. In addition, Alessandro Rovito was a student trainee.
10 – The number of classes in each session. Classes run continuously every season with short breaks every ten classes.
25 – The number of Dance for PD® Licensed Affiliates in the world, and Playhouse Square is the only arts organization with this recognition in the state of Ohio. Dance for PD® Licensed Affiliates operate “at the highest standard of quality, integrity, and safety.”
8 – The number of different dance techniques & styles explored in classes. From modern to jazz, tap, ballet, folk, Hula and improvisation and we’re even adding more as we go!
15 – The number of Dance for Parkinson’s pop-up classes and presentations in the region. Joan has provided education about the benefits of dance for people with Parkinson’s and an open invitation to join weekly classes.
Countless – The number of seconds when someone laughed or smiled during a Dance for Parkinson’s class. Classes are participant-centered with a focus on joy and connecting with others, all while learning, practicing and improving dance knowledge and skills.
0 – The amount that it costs to attend a Dance for Parkinson’s class. Weekly classes are free to people with PD and a companion and include complimentary valet.
For more information on Dance for Parkinson’s classes and the Arts & Minds initiative at Playhouse Square, please visit playhousesquare.org/arts-minds.