CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A Joffrey Ballet performance on Sunday afternoon featured a group of dancers who will likely never be famous — but whose courage is inspiring.
Dancing With Parkinson’s is a collaborative program from Northwestern Medicine and the Joffrey Ballet, and on Sunday, the program’s participants put together their first-ever public performance.
Parkinson’s patient Larry Davidson said it’s a departure from his routine.
“I really surprised myself,” Davidson said. “I really do like it, and it’s having me do things that I normally wouldn’t do, pushing my boundaries, because I’m not someone who does an artsy type of program. I’m surprised how much I like it, and the instruction is great.”
Katie Fagan is the senior program coordinator for the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center with Northwestern Medicine.
“It’s really been an excellent exercise option for people, not only to manage the symptoms but also to create a really wonderful social environment, which is really important to Parkinson’s, too,” Fagan said.
The Joffrey Ballet and Northwestern have helped more than 90 people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners stay active while confronting the progressive brain disorder.
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This news item came from: https://www.audacy.com/wbbm780/news/local/parkinsons-patients-take-center-stage-at-the-joffrey-ballet
