DANCE CLASSES FOR PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON'S
MOVEMENT AS MEDICINE
Dance is a beautiful art form, brought to life by the graceful movements of the human body. Even though Parkinson’s symptoms can affect body functions such as balance, coordination, and muscle stiffness, there is growing evidence that dance can be incredibly beneficial for the Parkinson’s population. Strategies used in classes align with common Parkinson’s rehabilitation strategies include performing large, expansive movements, pairing steps with rhythmic music, practicing balance skills through different dance combinations, and coordinating the body to move through different movement patterns.
San Francisco Ballet School offers free dance classes that draw on the unique features of ballet, modern, folk dance and other genres while adapting it to individuals with Parkinson’s. These inclusive classes are available for individuals with Parkinson’s and their family members, caregivers, and friends. Although dance classes cannot replace traditional therapy, ballet classes provide additional support to address Parkinson’s symptoms and mental health concerns.
Schedule & Classes
Fall 2025 Schedule (September - December)
SF Ballet School offers three different classes to serve individuals of all levels and abilities. Classes have live piano accompaniment. No previous dance experience is required. Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
Day and Time: Saturdays 1:30–2:45 PM
Location: SF Ballet School, 455 Franklin St. San Francisco, 94102
Individuals of all levels and abilities are welcome to join. Class begins with everyone seated in a chair. As the class continues, dancers can choose to remain seated, progress to standing movement supported by holding the ballet barre, or advance to dancing in the center of the room. Ballet movements and combinations are modified to meet different ability levels, with volunteer dancers available to provide assistance. At the end of studio class, everyone is welcome to join our after-class informal social gathering.
Day and Time: Tuesdays 12:30–1:30 PM
Location: Zoom
Individuals of all levels and abilities are welcome to participate in class on Zoom from the comfort of their own home. Class begins with everyone seated in a chair. As the class continues, dancers can choose to remain seated, progress to standing movement supported by holding a chair, or advance to dancing without the support of a chair. Ballet movements and combinations are modified to meet different ability levels.
DAY AND TIME: Tuesdays 12:30–1:30 PM
LOCATION: SF Ballet School, 455 Franklin St, San Francisco 94102
This class is designed for dancers who can safely stand without support for 60 minutes. Classical ballet exercises will be taught at the ballet barre, and then dancers will move to the studio’s center to practice ballet movements and dance across the studio. Class often begins and concludes with stretching. If desired, dancers may be seated in a chair for any portion of the class.
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FACULTY & REGISTRATION
FACULTY
SATURDAY STUDIO and TUESDAY ZOOM CLASSES
Taught by Lead Teacher Cecelia Beam, Master of Science in Ballet and San Francisco Ballet School Faculty Member for Adult Ballet classes at San Francisco Ballet School.
TUESDAY STUDIO CLASSES
Taught by Emily Borthwick, San Francisco Ballet School Faculty member.
REGISTRATION
Classes are free of charge, but pre-registration is required.
For more information and to register, contact Classinquiry@sfballet.org.
Support for San Francisco Ballet’s Dance Classes for People with Parkinson’s Program is provided by The Parkinson’s Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, and CityBridge Laguna Honda.