HSDC Parkinson's Project

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is proud to offer the oldest Parkinson's dance program in the Midwest, HSDC Parkinson's Project. Part of Hubbard Street's extensive community program offerings, these classes are taught by Sarah Cullen Fuller (Founding Teaching Artist and former Hubbard Street dancer) and Kristen Gurbach Jacobson (Hubbard Street Youth and Family Programs Manager). The program uses contemporary dance techniques to work to slow the progress of the disease, as well as providing a community of support for our students.

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological disorder with symptoms such as tremors, muscle rigidity, slowness in movement, and postural instability. Live musical accompaniment, dance, and a positive atmosphere help our participants improve mobility and overall well-being.

Kathryn Humphreys, Director of Education & Community Programs, explains about the program, "This is a dance class that combines the artistry of dance with live music to encourage one's natural instincts for movement and the benefits that movement can produce physically and socially. It's an opportunity for participants and their loved ones to do something fun together."

What class participants are saying:

"As we dance together, we forget physical limitations typically associated with Parkinson’s Disease…Instead, we focus on possibilities and find inspiration through the possibilities."

"By challenging me to moves and balances I would never have done on my own, I have been able to expand my physical capacities which had been dormant."

"I move more freely by the end of class, and my movements are more fluid the next day. But aside from improved movement, my spirit is better. I have shown MYSELF that I can do something that in the everyday world people would say 'Stop! You can't do that. You will hurt yourself.'"