The University of Florida (UF) Center for Arts in Medicine and the School of the Theatre and Dance in partnership with the Mark Morris Dance Group and Brooklyn Parkinson Group will present Dance for PD, a three-day training and professional development for dancers, dance teachers, students, therapists, and allied health professionals May 30-June 1, 2014 in the Nadine M. McGuire Theatre and Dance Pavilion at UF in Gainesville, FL.
A free movement class for persons with Parkinson’s disease and their families, friends, and care partners will be held on Saturday, May 31 from 2-3:15pm in the Nadine M. McGuire Theatre and Dance Pavilion. The class will be led by David Leventhal, founding teacher and program director for the Dance for PD program, with live musical accompaniment and will be followed by a community discussion. Parking is free, and all are welcome to attend. Advanced registration is not required to attend.
“We are thrilled to have the Mark Morris Dance Group with us again for the Dance for PD teacher Training,” said Jill Sonke, director of UF’s Center for Arts in Medicine. “David Leventhal is a masterful teacher and is leading what is now a worldwide movement to bring dance into the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease.”
UF last hosted a Dance for PD training and professional development workshop in June 2012. This year’s program offers opportunities for both new trainees and returning teachers to hone their skills, network with other teachers and immerse themselves in the acclaimed Dance for PD approach.
Through specially-designed Dance for PD Training Modules, attendees will cover a range of topics including safety and good exercise design and will learn about the program’s philosophy and teaching approaches from the program’s founders. Participants will observe a demo class, talk with members of the local Parkinson’s community and connect with other teachers interested in this work. Additionally, staff and teachers from UF’s own Dance for Life program will provide an added level of experience and knowledge during a Dance Teacher session.
To learn more about the training workshop, including tuition prices and the application process, visit: http://mad.ly/dc7f74.