Dance for PD: Over a Decade of Support

I showed up in a basement studio of BBT in the old Julia Morgan Center in August 2013. I had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease two months earlier, and was graciously welcomed by Susan Weber who was (and still is) the director, organizer, and instructor par excellence of BBT’s Dance for PD class. Each Monday at noon, starting out sitting in a circle of ten or twelve people in the early days, Susan and her associate instructors, with wonderful and inspired live piano musical accompaniment by Chris and Gerry, got us gently and slowly moving. By the end of class, we were all energized, laughing, socializing, moving better, and amazed at some of the things we had been able to do in class.

Everyone with PD, regardless of their condition, was welcome to attend – and at no cost. It was not merely a “rehabilitation class” or an “exercise class” for people with PD. It was a dance class that treated people as dancers first who had some limitations but not “disabilities.” Being there together each week lifted everyone’s spirits, and created new friendships that continue to this day. It was a special kind of grace that BBT helped to sponsor.

Susan Weber’s weekly Dance for PD class with BBT support over many years has brought the joy of movement, live music, lasting friendships, and a wonderful, compassionate sense of community to all of us who share the challenges of Parkinson’s disease. – Mike

Photo by Alexander Reneff-Olson