The idea of a dance program for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease originated in 2001 at the
Mark Morris Dance Center in New York. The first class, attended by just six members of the
Brooklyn Parkinson Group, sparked something extraordinary. Today, more than two decades
later, Parkinson’s Dance programs exist in over 300 communities across 28
countries—including right here in Belleville.
At the Quinte Ballet School of Canada (QBSC), Parkinson’s Dance is offered weekly from
September to June. Classes last one hour and focus not on exercise or fitness, but on the art of
dance itself. Teaching artists draw from a wide variety of dance and movement styles,
emphasizing imagination, grace, and creativity. Through stretching and strengthening,
participants increase flexibility and range of motion—improvements that often translate into
better balance and steadier gait.
Program coordinator and instructor with the QBSC Kristina McIntosh says, “It’s the closest thing
to magic you can experience. You can watch dancers come in maybe a little bit down. An hour
later, you see the cloud lift and you watch a different individual leave the space.”
“Dancers have told me they feel different, or they just believe and know they can do it –
whatever “it” is. Some say they feel steadier, more balanced. Others comment that they stand prouder with more confidence.”
Instructor Jocelyn LoSole echoes this, noting the transformative power of dance, “The joy of
dancing comes from within, and often that motivation pushes them to do things they had totally
let go of.” She describes the progression in class: “Dancers are seated at the beginning. They
stand and hold onto the chairs in front of them to have extra support. When they step away from
the chairs, there’s the option to free dance away from the chair to challenge themselves without
support. I have noticed at the end of almost every class that I’ve taught – their gait was a lot
steadier, and they were able to take wider steps.”
Belleville’s program began in 2017 as a pilot supported by the City of Belleville, with additional
funding from Parkinson Canada and private donors ensuring it remains free of charge for
participants and their caregivers. Some classes now welcome up to 50 people, including
volunteers whose support is vital to the program’s success.
Volunteers are instrumental in the program’s success. They help with set up and clean up, as
well as assisting dancers as they come and go. They help monitor class participants to allow the
instructors to focus on lessons.
The dance class participants have become a small community. They share stories and their own
personal journeys with Parkinson’s, and caregivers lean on each other for support as their loved
ones take part in the classes.
Each term concludes with a potluck meal – one in December and one in June. It’s a time to sit,
talk and share in the community that has been created.
“I love this program and these dancers with my whole being”, says Kristina. “They have taught
me so much about myself and life. I honestly feel they have taught me more than I have taught
them.”
quinteballetschool.com/workshops
This article was previously published in the Fall 2025 Vol. 34 No. 3 issue of Umbrella.
The photograph was submitted by the Quinte Ballet School of Canada.
