Playhouse Square in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic is launching its new Arts & Minds programming for those with neurological disorders in the Northeast Ohio community. The first initiative within this program – Dance for Parkinson’s – creates space for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and their care partners to engage in meaningful arts experiences.
“During my time at the Royal Albert Hall in London, I saw first-hand how Dance for Parkinson’s classes made a lasting impact on those who participated,” said, Craig Hassall, Playhouse Square President & CEO. “Research has shown that by offering this type of programming, individuals navigating Parkinson’s and their caretakers see improvements in their health and well-being in part through the power of the arts, and we are proud to now provide this at Playhouse Square.”
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, nearly 90,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease every year. Incidences of the progressive neurological condition continue to increase.
“We provide excellent care within our hospital, but supporting patients’ well-being after they leave is just as important,” said Andre Machado, M.D., Ph.D., Chief of the Neurological Institute at Cleveland Clinic. “Focusing on mobility at home is vital to quality of life, as is integration and socialization. Our collaboration with Playhouse Square brings medical expertise and the arts directly to our patients in the community to support that."
Cleveland Clinic's team for this collaboration has also included and been greatly led by Ellen Walter, CNP and Ben Walter, MD. Their support and leadership have been one of the many important pieces in making this new effort possible.
While medical advancements have come a long way toward this disease, a healthy lifestyle and support from a patient’s community are just as important. Improving balance and gait through exercise – and in the case of this new program, dance and the arts – is one way to continue the power of movement and encouragement from community.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with the Cleveland Clinic on this initiative and utilize their expertise in this field,” Hassall continued. “Our Dance for Parkinson’s classes complement the work and research that the Clinic’s teams are doing on a daily basis for patients at the Neurological Institute.”
Held in accessible places throughout Playhouse Square’s historic theaters and state-of-the-art spaces, free Dance for Parkinson’s classes are available on a weekly basis and give participants the opportunity to explore movement possibilities and celebrate community. Special events will also be offered throughout the year where participants can experience performances and conversation with artists seen on Playhouse Square stages, along with a Dance for Parkinson’s activity. Classes are led by Playhouse Square’s Senior Manager of Neurological Programming Joan Meggitt, who has completed all requirements toward Dance for PD ® certification.
Playhouse Square’s Dance for Parkinson’s classes are supported by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation.
This year’s Center Stage Benefit, which features a performance from 2025 Tony Award winner Nicole Scherzinger, will also support Playhouse Square’s Arts & Minds programming.
For more information on Playhouse Square’s Arts & Minds programming or to register for a class, please visit playhousesquare.org/arts-minds.