Dance for Parkinson’s

PBT is proud to offer specialized dance classes for people living with Parkinson’s Disease.

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre has been providing Dance for Parkinson’s classes for over ten years. The class is built on the fundamental premise that professionally trained dancers are movement experts with specific knowledge that can benefit people with Parkinson’s disease. No previous dance experience is required.

 

Dance for Parkinson’s is sponsored by:

 

 

Fall Classes

Join us for weekly Dance for Parkinson’s classes.

 

Thursdays| 1 – 2 p.m. | In Person

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Byham Center for Dance

2900 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Classes run September 10 – December 10, 2026. 

 

Fridays| 1 – 2 p.m. | Virtual

Zoom link will be sent before each class.

Classes run September 11 – December 11, 2026. 

 

Dance for Parkinson’s classes are free, caregivers and friends are welcome to attend!

To register for either class email ekleinman@pittsburghballet.org

Why Dance?

  • The class is built on the fundamental premise that professionally trained dancers are movement experts with knowledge that can benefit people with PD.
  • In addition to best practices for stretching and strengthening their muscles, dancers are deeply in tune with balance and rhythm.
  • Most importantly, dancers routinely use sight, touch, sound – as well as their own thoughts and imagination – to control their movements.

PBT’s Dance for Parkinson’s instructors receive specialized training in the Dance for PD® methodology. The class is appropriate for anyone with PD, no matter how advanced. No dance experience is required. In chairs, at a barre or standing, participants explore elements of modern dance, ballet, tap, folk and social dancing in a laidback, social environment enriched by live music.

 

Join the Movement!

Learn More: Listen to this recent NPR story about Dance for Parkinson’s or watch this video created by the Mark Morris Dance Group.

For more information:  accessibility@pittsburghballet.org or 412-454-9128.

 

PBT is grateful for support for Dance for Parkinson’s from Carol K. Lampe and Edwin H. Beachler.