Playhouse Square today announced that the organization has obtained certification as a Dance for PD® Licensed Affiliate. Dance for PD® is an internationally recognized program that offers research-backed dance classes – both in-person and virtual – for people with Parkinson’s disease, and it represents the highest quality of teaching standards and artistry.
The certification was pursued and completed by Playhouse Square’s Senior Manager of Neurological Programming Joan Meggitt, who is now a Dance for PD® Certified Teacher. Meggitt took part in a rigorous yearlong certification process that included studying in-depth research, undergoing exams and assessments and participating in real-world applications. She is now one of fewer than 50 Dance for PD® Certified Teachers worldwide. As a result, all Dance for Parkinson's classes can now be designated as Dance for PD® classes. In addition to Meggitt, all Dance for Parkinson's artists at Playhouse Square receive training from Dance for PD.
“Receiving this prestigious certification from Dance for PD further solidifies Playhouse Square’s commitment to using the power of the arts to enhance the lives of those with neurological disorders in the Northeast Ohio community,” said Craig Hassall, Playhouse Square President & CEO. “Not only is Playhouse Square one of only two arts presenting organizations that is a Dance for PD® licensed affiliate, we are also the first licensed affiliate in Ohio and one of only 23 licensed affiliates worldwide that have this distinction.”
Hassall continued, “Our association with Dance for PD ensures that we are offering the highest quality programming within our Arts & Minds initiative in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic, and we look forward to sharing other developments in the year to come.”
Individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners can register for free weekly classes at Playhouse Square and learn more about the organization’s Arts & Minds initiative at playhousesquare.org/arts-minds. For additional information on Dance for PD®, please visit danceforparkinsons.org.