Born from the idea that people with Parkinson’s could benefit from the insight and specific techniques and methods used by dancers to guide their own bodies and minds, the Mark Morris Dance Group’s Dance for PD® program strives to increase coordination, balance, flexibility, and strength through music and movement from a broad range of dance styles. In classes led by professionally-trained dancers and musicians, participants experience the grace, fluidity, and power of dance in a social, joyful, and supportive environment. Dance for PD teaching artists integrate movement from modern and theater dance, ballet, folk dance, tap, improvisation, and choreographic repertory.

Serving thousands of individuals, their families, and care partners, the breadth and global impact of Dance for PD® continues to develop each year. In addition to the flagship program at the Mark Morris Dance Center, Dance for PD® classes take place in all five boroughs of New York City and through affiliate programs in more than 400 communities, 42 states, and 30 countries across six continents. Dance for PD® began thanks to the vision of Olie Westheimer and the collaborative partnership of Brooklyn Parkinson Group.

The Dance for PD® program provides teacher training, nurtures relationships among other organizations to foster classes around the world, and offers an acclaimed At Home DVD series available for purchase. In New York, Dance for PD® also administers Sing for PD and PD Movement Lab, complementary programs that were developed and previously administered by the Brooklyn Parkinson Group.

View Dance for PD® New York City classes>

View our Videos on Demand and DVDs > 

Gain in-depth information about this program, contact staff members, view Dance for PD media products, and more by visiting our dedicated Dance for PD website.

Dance for PD’s flagship classes in New York City are supported by Dance for PD Members and Donors, the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York City Council Member Helen Rosenthal, the New York State Council on the Arts, The Billy Rose Foundation, and a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Additional support is provided by Lily Auchincloss Foundation, Inc., Boston Scientific Corporation, Bossak/Heilbron Charitable Foundation, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, Friends of Mark Morris Dance Group, The Jaffe Foundation, Megara Foundation, The New York City Department for the Aging Stavros Niarchos Foundation, and US WorldMeds.