About the Program
Launched in 2013 as a pilot program by Anne Flynn (Professor Emerita, Dance, University of Calgary) and Vicki Adams Willis (Founder in Residence, DJD), Dancing Parkinson’s YYC provides dance classes for people with Parkinson’s disease. Research has demonstrated that dancing improves motor and cognitive functions in Parkinson’s patients and positively impacts quality of life. With live musical accompaniment and a focus on rhythm, body awareness, muscle development, coordination and socializing, the DPYYC classes have proven to be an uplifting and restorative experience for participants.
Program Details
In-studio and virtual classes are available. In-studio classes take place in Studio 1 at the DJD Dance Centre.
Unlimited classes are available with a $50 annual registration fee per person.
New participants may join at any time!
For more information about the program and to register please contact us at
dancingparkinsonsyyc@decidedlyjazz.com
403-228-8188
Dancing Parkinson’s YYC program director, Vicki Adams Willis, teacher Krista White and musician Sheldon Zandboer created this video class for The Parkinson Association of Alberta’s Motivation Monday series in June. This low impact class is an introduction to a cross-section of material from the program. If you wish to participate in this sample class you will need a sturdy chair for the first exercise sequences.
Key Dates — 2022/2023
January 10, 2023
Winter Session Begins
April 18, 2023
Spring Break - No Classes
April 25, 2023
Spring Session Begins
“After the first Tuesday I was hooked, really thoroughly enjoying it”
“This group is my happy place. I have never had this feeling in all the 14 years I have had Parkinson’s.”
“It was like coming to visit old friends because all of these people have come to feel like old friends”
“I was overwhelmed with it all, it was so wonderful… the music, the camaraderie”
“I’m doing things that I never thought I would be able to do”
“There are not many good things about having PD but Dancing Parkinsons YYC is definitely one of them. You are making a big difference in our lives.”
Current Partners & Supporters
Dancing Parkinson’s YYC has been supported by
