Move A-Way PD

You Belong Here: Central Pa.’s only music & movement program for Parkinsons

move a way pd

Move A-Way PD, Central PA.’s only music & movement program for Parkinson’s is modeled after and affiliated with the Mark Morris Dance Group’s Dance for PD® research-backed program. Classes are currently held in 30 countries around the world that explore the joys and benefits of dance, music and enhance the creative spirit. All of our teachers are trained in the methods of Dance for PD® .

Why Dance for Parkinson’s?

In class, teaching artists and accompanists integrate movement from a diverse variety of dance & movement styles to
engage your mind and body, creating an enjoyable, social environment for artistic exploration.

  • DANCE DEVELOPS strength, flexibility, fluidity, stamina and balance.
  • DANCE IS a stimulating cognitive activity that connects mind to body
  • DANCE HARNESSES imagery, rhythm and music to express stories and emotions thru our bodies
  • DANCE SPARKS creativity and develops problem solving skills
  • DANCE HELPS TO master skills through progressive training
  • DANCE SUPPORTS social connections and a sense of belonging

How It Works

In class, follow the instructor the best you can, but stay aware of your own comfort level. The instructor(s) will offer a modified version of the work. Feel free to follow EITHER and to change or adjust anything that doesn’t feel right.

Pause, take a break, adhere to your medication schedule, grab some water or just observe whenever you need to.

We recommend dancing with comfortable clothing and stable footwear or socks. Jazz and ballet slippers work well, but not necessary.

*Caretakers, family members and spouses may participate at no extra charge.

COME DANCE WITH US

1

HERSHEY/ HUMMELSTOWN

Classes forming here. Add your name to receive updates and be counted!

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3

HARRISBURG

JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER HARRISBURG
2986 N. 2nd St.
717-236-9555
Tuesdays, 10:45 A.M.

2

MECHANICSBURG

Classes forming here. Add your name to receive updates and be counted!

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Reviews

I recently attended several sessions for a new ballet-based class for Parkinson's Disease patients and their caregivers. This class was developed by researchers checking all the boxes needed (stretching, power moves, and cognitive development) for those with Parkinson's.

The class includes live music by pianist Max, who has a gift for matching tunes and timing to our dance movements. One highlight was dancing to the music of the Nutcracker! I was taught with much patience and I felt a great sense of accomplishment!
A friend of mine was so insistent that we had to get your class at JCC, and now it’s my favorite class. With gentle exercise, learning, and live music which is so uplifting, even someone with two left feet can savor the joy of dancing! I believe my balance, flexibility and short term memory are improving as well, due to the professionalism and teaching expertise in each class.
I like the movement. I like havin’ fun. It’s a place to let go and have fun

Artistic/Dance Staff

Jaime Thompson
Jaime Thompson

Currently a ballet teacher at Pennsylvania Regional Ballet in Enola as well as Studio 91 in Mechanicsburg, Jaime holds a BFA in Dance from the Boston Conservatory. She has danced lead classical roles with Tampa Ballet Theater (FL), Asheville Ballet (NC), and Ballet for Young Audiences (NYC).

Re Rabassi Davis
Re Rabassi-Davis

Currently a Private Ballet Coach and guest teacher, Re (AnnaMarie) Rabassi-Davis holds a B.A. in Ballet, M.Ed in Counseling and a M.S. in Ethics and Leadership. She taught 33 years for the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet where she also developed the original curriculum for Pre-Ballet and Creative Movement, as well as the outreach program “Discover Dance”. She was an integral part of the Milton Hershey School, developing curriculum while teaching and choreographing there for 17 years. Prior to that she taught for 11 years at the former Harrisburg Arts Magnet School.

Hannah Kraenbring
Hannah Kraenbring

Hannah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Dance and a Minor in Studio Art from Goucher College. She teaches ballet and modern at Richie School of Dance and Pennsylvania Regional Ballet and dances professionally with Luna Dance Company. Hannah’s teaching practice utilizes mind-body connections and improvisation to find intrinsic creativity through movement

S Max Mitchell
S Max Mitchell

Our pianist, Max, has been recognized as one of the world’s greatest dance accompanists, having been rehearsal pianist for the Metropolitan Opera, Dutch National Ballet (Amsterdam) and class pianist at School of American Ballet and Ballet Academy East in New York City. He was music director at Rosie O’Donnell’s children’s theater program “Rosie’s Theater Kids”. His series of ballet class recordings are heard on streaming services worldwide.