“You need to know that you are not alone”: the sustainability of community-based dance programs for people living with Parkinson’s disease
Creators: name: Senter, Morgan
name: Bhriain, Orfhlaith Ni
name: Clifford, Amanda M.
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2025
Subjects: subject: Medicine
subject: Ecology
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Sociology
subject: FOS: Sociology
subject: Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Cancer
subject: Science Policy

description: To identify factors contributing to the long-term sustainability of community-based dance programs for people living with Parkinson’s disease in order to inform the design and development of sustainable programs. Multi-site ethnographic fieldwork was conducted at four different preexisting dance programs for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Dancer, facilitator, and community stakeholder perspectives were gathered via semi-structured interviews in order to create a deeper understanding of how existing programs navigate challenges and maintain stability. Transcripts and field notes were analyzed via reflexive thematic analysis. Interviews were conducted with 18 participants (eight dancers with Parkinson’s disease, seven dance facilitators, one classroom assistant, and two community stakeholders). Four key areas for supporting program sustainability were identified: (1) finding an organizational structure that works, (2) balancing funding, fundraisers, and fees, (3) prioritizing dancer experience and satisfaction, and (4) recruiting and retaining committed, high-quality facilitators. Cultivating multiple funding sources; forging strategic connections with local Parkinson’s organizations and arts institutions; building a critical mass of facilitators and administrators with diverse skillsets; offering hybrid online delivery where possible; and ensuring that the dancer experience is low-pressure, varied, and enjoyable can support the long-term sustainability of dance programs for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Dance is a creative form of physical activity that can improve cognitive and motor function as well as quality of life in people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD).Community-based dance programs for people living with PD must be sustainable so that people can continue to benefit from participation over time.Dance programs for people with PD that have multiple funding sources, facilitators, community partners, and modes of delivery are more likely to be sustainable.Dancers value quality facilitators and enjoy learning in fun, low-pressure environments with a community feel. Dance is a creative form of physical activity that can improve cognitive and motor function as well as quality of life in people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Community-based dance programs for people living with PD must be sustainable so that people can continue to benefit from participation over time. Dance programs for people with PD that have multiple funding sources, facilitators, community partners, and modes of delivery are more likely to be sustainable. Dancers value quality facilitators and enjoy learning in fun, low-pressure environments with a community feel.