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This chapter explores how Dancing with Parkinson’s (DWP), a research-informed dance program for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and older adults, evolved into a learning organization by integrating client stories, daily feedback, and external evaluations. Initially offering in-person classes, DWP transitioned to a daily online Zoom platform during the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding access to over 5300 participants across Canada. The program employs visualization and mirroring techniques to enhance neuroplasticity, mobility, and social connection, supported by evidence of improved balance, energy levels, and reduced isolation. Daily pre- and post-class chats provided real-time insights into participants’ health, preferences, and barriers, informing program adaptations like music selection and schedule adjustments. External evaluations revealed 85% of participants found the classes gave them “something to look forward to,” while 78% reported increased energy. DWP’s learning system emphasizes an “ecology of evidence,” blending quantitative data with qualitative stories to refine outreach and honor diverse community needs. Partnerships with institutions like the University of Hawaiʻi enriched the evaluation capacities of the DWP programming leads. By centering participant voices and maintaining flexibility across online/in-person formats, DWP models how community-driven interventions can foster equitable brain health through creativity, cultural responsiveness, and sustained relational learning.

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Building a Learning System Guided by Client Stories and Evaluation: Dancing with Parkinson’s Stories That Illuminate Pathways to Better Brain Health

  • 章节

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Jessica Dargo Caplan,
  • Sarah Robichaud

摘要

This chapter explores how Dancing with Parkinson’s (DWP), a research-informed dance program for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and older adults, evolved into a learning organization by integrating client stories, daily feedback, and external evaluations. Initially offering in-person classes, DWP transitioned to a daily online Zoom platform during the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding access to over 5300 participants across Canada. The program employs visualization and mirroring techniques to enhance neuroplasticity, mobility, and social connection, supported by evidence of improved balance, energy levels, and reduced isolation. Daily pre- and post-class chats provided real-time insights into participants’ health, preferences, and barriers, informing program adaptations like music selection and schedule adjustments. External evaluations revealed 85% of participants found the classes gave them “something to look forward to,” while 78% reported increased energy. DWP’s learning system emphasizes an “ecology of evidence,” blending quantitative data with qualitative stories to refine outreach and honor diverse community needs. Partnerships with institutions like the University of Hawaiʻi enriched the evaluation capacities of the DWP programming leads. By centering participant voices and maintaining flexibility across online/in-person formats, DWP models how community-driven interventions can foster equitable brain health through creativity, cultural responsiveness, and sustained relational learning.