“We’re All Here to Be Dancers Together”: Perspectives on Facilitating Dance Classes for Individuals With Parkinson’s

Parkinson's is a progressive neurological disorder impacting physical, cognitive, emotional, and sensory functions. Dance is a form of physical activity that can offer social, psychological, and physical benefits and enhance quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's. This study explored program facilitators' perceptions and experiences facilitating a community dance class for individuals with Parkinson's through the lens of physical literacy. Six program facilitators (four instructors, one volunteer, and one musical accompanist) of a weekly community dance class participated in semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, generating three themes: (a) Dance as tuning into one's self: Enriching the body, mind, and spirit; (b) Everybody can dance: Feeling successful and fostering confidence; and (c) Looking forward to Tuesdays: Promoting connection, belonging, and community. This study provides insight into the teaching practices, as well as the design and facilitation of community dance classes for individuals with Parkinson's.