Ask an Expert: Sarah Robichaud Discusses the Benefits of Dancing for People with Parkinson’s

Sarah Robichaud is a classically trained dancer and choreographer who graduated from The Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. Transitioning from dance, Sarah became a North American fitness expert on the CBS Early Morning Show and CBC's Steven and Chris. She is also a published health and fitness author. Sarah's passion for Dancing with Parkinson's (DWP) ignited in 2007, when working as a personal trainer with Andy Barrie to help him find ways to physically help his body manage his Parkinson’s disease (PD) through movement. Inspired by the Mark Morris Dance Group's innovative PD dance class, she immediately trained with them in NYC. Sarah was the first certified Canadian in the Dance for PD® Method and is a founding member of the Dance for PD® Network Canada. Sarah was recently awarded a community hero award by the Raptors Foundation to recognize her work in keeping seniors connected during COVID-19, and, in 2024, received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for the positive impacts DWP has made in communities across Canada.

What inspired you to found Dancing with Parkinson’s?

I founded Dancing with Parkinson’s because I witnessed, early in my dance career, how profoundly movement can shift someone’s spirit. After retiring as a professional dancer, I wanted to give back to community with my art and provide people living with Parkinson’s disease a place where they could feel expressive, able, joyful, and deeply connected. I was inspired by the idea that dance could blend art and science in a way that restores dignity and belonging. DWP grew out of love, hope, and a belief that everyone deserves a space where they can feel seen, celebrated, and fully themselves.

What are the benefits of dancing for Parkinson’s? What does the research say?

Dance offers physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits for people living with Parkinson’s. Physically, dance can enhance mobility, posture, balance, gait, coordination, and motor control. It stimulates neuroplasticity and supports cognitive functions like memory, sequencing, and attention. 

Emotionally, dance lifts mood, reduces anxiety and apathy, and supports improved confidence and expression. Research continues to show that regular dance not only improves quality of life but may help slow functional decline all while offering something that feels creative, social, joyful, and empowering, rather than clinical.

Social connection seems to be a major part of your programs. How do you foster community and connection?

Connection is at the heart of everything we do. Every class begins with genuine greetings, check-ins, and moments to acknowledge one another. We use names, storytelling, shared imagery, and lots of humour to make people feel seen and human. 

Whether dancers join us in-person or online, coming together as a group encourages collaboration and camaraderie. Our culture is built around acceptance and care – there is no right or wrong, only movement and community. Over time, friendships form, support networks grow, and people feel part of something larger than themselves. Our in-person and online classes and events help keep that sense of community alive every day.

Do participants need dance experience to join?

Not at all. Every ability is welcome – complete beginners, seasoned dancers, people using walkers or wheelchairs. Everything we teach is adaptable, and the focus is always on joy, expression, and what feels right for each person’s body. It’s a space where you can simply come as you are and be celebrated for showing up!

What role does creativity play in your classes?

Creativity is central to the DWP method. We use imagination, storytelling, characters, and vivid imagery to spark movement and expression. Participants are encouraged to improvise, add their own ideas, and help shape the class experience. We believe that everyone is an artist, and the creative process often becomes as meaningful as the physical movement.

Has anything surprised you about the relationship between dancing and Parkinson’s?

I am constantly surprised and moved by the transformations that occur – physically and emotionally! People seem to discover humour, hope, connection, and limitless possibility.

The physical changes can also be remarkable – steadier gait, reduced freezing, and smoother transitions. Loved ones often tell me they see more engagement, energy, or confidence after dancing. 

And the depth of community that emerges – friendships that feel like family continue to inspire me. The combination of music, movement, imagination, and belonging is incredibly powerful. Dance is the perfect marriage of art and science for someone living with PD.

How do you train instructors to ensure classes are safe, inclusive, and welcoming?

Our instructors undergo extensive training grounded in Parkinson’s research, dance pedagogy, safety principles, and care. They learn adaptations for every mobility level and strategies to support balance and reduce fall risk. We emphasize person-centered teaching and a culture of warmth and inclusivity. New instructors shadow experienced teachers and continue with mentorship and ongoing professional development. Our goal is for every class to feel safe, supportive, artistic, and full of joy.

How do classes address common symptoms such as freezing or gait challenges?

We use rhythm and music to support smoother initiation and walking patterns. Large, intentional movements help counter bradykinesia and rigidity – two common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. 

Exercises that explore weight-shifting, directional changes, and transitions can improve overall mobility. Visualization like “stepping over a stream” or “moving like you’re marching in a parade” often helps people move through freezing moments. We also incorporate dual-tasking exercises to mimic real-world movement challenges, all while keeping the experience playful and encouraging and artistically rooted.

If individuals would like to try DWP, where can they learn more and sign up?

Our national online program (the Daily Dance Connect - DDC) is available every single day, free of charge at 8am PST, and is accessible from anywhere in Canada. 

In British Columbia, we are expanding our in-person offerings. As of January 23, we have launched free weekly classes in Penticton every Friday. We will also begin offering weekly classes in Vancouver on Tuesdays starting April 14. 

All details, updates, and registration information can be found at www.dancingwithparkinsons.com. 

We suggest that interested dancers subscribe to our newsletter at https://bit.ly/DWPnewsletter for news and class launch information!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I want to share how grateful I am for the incredible support we are receiving from Parkinson Society BC in helping us to spread the word that our free, evidence-based dance program is now available in British Columbia! Through the DDC, we have met so many dancers from all over BC who are ready to come together to dance every week, and we are thrilled to be able to share the joy and benefits of music and movement for people living with PD throughout the province. 

Dancing with Parkinson’s is built on love, care, artistry, and a belief in the transformative power of movement. Everyone who is part of the people living with Parkinson’s care circle is welcome, and I hope you’ll join us!

This content was published in the Spring 2026 edition of our quarterly magazine, Viewpoints. The content was accurate as of this publication date.