“DANCE TO IMPROVE GAIT, BALANCE AND MOOD FOR INDIVIDUALS POST STROKE”
OCT 22nd – DEC 12th 2018 is looking for volunteer dance assistants!
FUNDED BY: Heart and Stroke Foundation Canadian – Partnership for Stroke Recovery and IN PARTNERSHIP with: Miriam Schacter, danceABILITIES(tm); LEAD INVESTIGATORS: Dr. Kara Patterson, Dr. Dina Brooks; RESEARCH COORDINATOR: Aaron Wallace LOCATION: U of T Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation Sciences Centre, 500 University Avenue at Dundas Street West.
THE DANCE : The GROOVE-D feasibility study will offer “live-streaming” and “in-person” group dance classes. Dance genres include ballroom (latin styles and waltz), social dancing, ballet, jazz, contemporary, elements of authentic movement and contact dance, collaborative choreography, mirror-work, and so on.
WHAT IS A DANCE ASSISTANT? Volunteers or “dance-assistants” assist the clients/ dancers with safe entrance and exit, support the dancers in various ways during the class (such as sharing encouragement or light balance) as well as assist the instructor/facilitator (such as setting up stereo, demonstrating a move or gesture). For this position, it is best to have some basic training in dance, fitness, or med/rehab. During the program, “dance-assistants” will be introduced to the elements of an “inclusive-dance” program, ongoing networking opportunities, safety practices and so on. Many dance assistants have been able to lead their own classes following this volunteering/training (if trained as a dancer).
THE DATES and TIMES: 10:30am-11:30am TBC on Mondays and Wednesdays starting Monday Oct 22nd. Please meet on main floor cafeteria, 15 min before classes. We support you in creating a volunteer schedule that suits your availability, however, a commitment of 4 classes is preferred.
WHO DO I CONTACT to VOLUNTEER?
If you are interesting in being a dance-assistant, please contact the instructor & facilitator, Miriam Schacter, at danceabilitiescanada@gmail.com or call/text (416-939-16-Seven-Two)
WHAT THE VOLUNTEERS SAY:
“I am so grateful to have been a part of the “We Love to Boogie: Dance Post Stroke” study at U of T (2015-17) Miriam Schacter choreographed or facilitated the dance sessions in this study, and truly opened my eyes to the beauty, and importance of adapted/inclusive dance. Miriam was able to bring about an atmosphere of love, curiosity, and bravery among all of the dancers in our group. As a volunteer, I saw dancers grow in their confidence in movement, and understanding of themselves through choreographies and guided improvisations. It was a true joy to volunteer“ – Eden Champagne, dancer and Masters of Psychology candidate
“Assisting in the study allowed me to further develop my skills working with people with accessibility needs. It was fun and playful. What was especially gratifying was witnessing how people transformed from unsure how to move and engage their body in dance to a greater body awareness and openness to movement in whatever way was available to them.” – Marla Gold, Workplace Health and Wellness Educator
DMTO 