Volunteering & Accessible Dance Trainings

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PART III “Dance to Improve Gait, Balance and Mood For Individuals Post Stroke Randomized Control Trial”   STARTS FEB 3rd 2020-21  U of T Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation Sciences Centre, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, Canada   

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: Wade Michaelchuk, MSc., R.Kin 
Dance Class Dates: Every Mon and Wed (Set Up: 11:50am Class: 12:00-1:00 ) Starts Monday Feb 3rd.  Location: U of T Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation Sciences Centre, 500 University Avenue.
WHAT IS A DANCE ASSISTANT?  “Dance Assistants” (DAs) assist clients/dancers with safe entrance, exit and seating, support the dancers during class (sharing encouragement, dancing together or offering light balance support) and assist the instructor/facilitator (setting up stereo, demonstrating a move or gesture, sharing creative ideas). For this position, it is best to have some 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.
THE STUDY: This “Canadian 1st” randomized controlled trial will include accessible/inclusive group dance classes for individuals post stroke over a 3-year period. Dance genres include ballroom (latin styles and waltz), social dancing, ballet, jazz, contemporary, elements of authentic movement and contact dance, improv, collaborative choreography, mirror-work, across floor work and so on. 
THE DATES and TIMES 2020:  FEB 3rd – MAY 6th 2020. Please meet on main floor, 10 min before classes. PROGRAMS FOLLOWING: Spring/Summer STARTING MAY 11th  and Fall/Winter STARTING SEPT 1st  LOCATION: U of T Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation Sciences Centre, 500 University Avenue at Dundas Street West.
COMMITMENT: We support you in creating a volunteer schedule that suits your availability, however, a commitment of 5 classes is preferred. Education placements are currently available for 2020. I can offer seasonal or year long placements. Please note that while dance-assistants are encouraged to select preferred dates … it is imperative that your chosen dates are not cancelled unless due to sudden illness or emergency.
WHO DO I CONTACT to VOLUNTEER? If you are interesting in being a dance-assistant, please contact the Pilot Partner & facilitator, Miriam Schacter, at danceabilitiescanada@gmail.com or call/text (416-939-16-Seven-Two). Once we have connected for your DA interview we’ll forward the on-line scheduling link so you may select your preferred dates and get dance-assisting! * Please contact me as soon as possible however, I do take on new dance-assistants (with dance experience) ongoing, after the program has already begun.
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
Relevant links: 
Dance Assistant Training, video, class planning page (for volunteers only):=
Let’s talk to find out if this is the right volunteer position or education placement for you!  Please forward and share widely. 
DANCE ASSISTANTS & VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT for “GROOVE D” “DANCE TO IMPROVE GAIT, BALANCE AND MOOD FOR INDIVIDUALS POST STROKE”  OCT 22nd – DEC 12th 2018 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

Let’s have a talk to find out if this is the right volunteer position for you. Please forward and Share widely!

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

“I Love to Boogie”: An Investigation of the Feasibility of a Dance Program to Improve Gait and Balance Post-Stroke, 2015-2016

Are you interested in “dance-assisting” for a dance-based research study for people living with the after effects of stroke?

Volunteers are sought to assist dance students for classes starting mid May 2018. Classes run every Monday and Wednesday from 11:30am-12:30noon. Volunteers are requested to assist for 1 or more classes and all are welcome to select the days that work for best your schedule.  Some dance students may require minimal balance support while dancing so your physical fitness and familiarity with basic dance steps are quite important. Meeting or speaking before class, will help establish if being a dance-volunteer is the right match for you.  To volunteer, please contact Miriam  at danceabilitiescanada@gmail.com

Info “AT A GLANCE”

Dates: Mondays and Weds, Starting May 2018
Class time: 11:30am-12:30 noon (volunteers please arrive by 11:15)
Location: U of T Physical Therapy, 500 University Avenue
Subway: Queen Subway station.
Parking: Reasonable street parking, $2/hr on Beverly

Info Links:U of T http://www.physicaltherapy.utoronto.ca/
PT, Dr. Kara Patterson: http://www.canadianstroke.ca/en/research/funding/
http://www.physicaltherapy.utoronto.ca/facul…/kara-patterson
Miriam Schacter: http://www.danceabilities.ca
Research Coordinator, Mobility Research Team

Information about the research study:

Stroke can drastically impact the ability to walk and keep your balance which in turn can limit a person’s independence, their ability to participate in favourite activities and decrease their quality of life. Unfortunately, although balance and walking improve with rehabilitation, people still find difficult to move and get around when they are discharged home. Living with a stroke after rehabilitation continues to be a challenge. People with stroke note that they feel socially isolated once they are home. Also, people with stroke become less satisfied with how they walk and balance over time. Clearly new and better treatments for walking and balance are needed.

Our team will investigate if a dance program for a group of individuals with stroke is feasible. This dance program will involve a variety of dance types (e.g. contemporary, contra, salsa, waltz, jazz, improvisation) and music genres (e.g. Latin, jazz, world, pop) plus music requests by the dancers.

We test participants before and after the dance program on balance, walking and musicality. If the people with stroke enjoy the dance program, are able to complete it and show some improvements in walking and balance, then dancing could be used in the future as a way to improve walking and balance and for social engagement.

Principal Investigator: DR. KARA PATTERSON, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute University Health Network; Co-investigator: Dr. Dina Brooks (University of Toronto); Music and Neuroscience Lab UWO: Dr. Jessica Grahn; Choreography/Instruction: Miriam Schacter, founder danceABILTIES.

16142634_1295824057145331_2591900379617909591_n.png“Let’s Boogie: Dance and Lung Disease” 2016-17

Are you interested in Dance-Volunteering for Part III of a pioneering dance study?

Role: Dance Assistants, assist new dancers in pulmonary rehabilitation program, support safe entrance and exit from dance class, collaborate in dance environment and community, assist in gesture-based teaching and help instructor as needed

Info “AT A GLANCE”

Dates: Currently Running on Tues 11-12 and Fridays 1-2pm (Please arrive 10 minutes before class time)

Location: West Park Healthcare Centre 82 Buttonwood Ave. Toronto ON M6M 2J5, Gage Building. Car-pooling to west end from downtown is available, parking is affordable on the entrance road to the facility. It is not necessary to volunteer/assist for all classes… We support you in creating a volunteer schedule that suits your availability! A new class date page will be circulated shortly.

Pilot facilitated/supported by: Breathing as One – Boehringer Ingelheim Canada COPD Catalyst Grant (Canadian Lung Association); University of Toronto/West Park Healthcare Centre; Dr. Dina Brooks; Dr. Kara Patterson; Dr. Roger Goldstein; Adnan Wshah PT, MSc.,PhD Candidate; Stacey Butler,MSc, Research Coordinator; Miriam Schacter RP, dance Intervention/danceABILITIES™, Robin McPhail Dempsey, and volunteers.

This applied-dance program includes: ballroom and social dancing, ballet, jazz, contemporary, elements of authentic movement and contact dance, collaborative choreography, mirror-work, and so on.

Excellent applied-dance and pulmonary rehab. training will be provided on-site; the pulmonary training session will teach dance volunteers/assistants about lung disease, symptoms, presentation, and impact of function. Applied-Dance training will review safety for dance clients, elements of an applied-dance program, ongoing networking opportunities and so on.

Volunteers with a dance, athletics or healthcare background (or dance enthusiasts of any age) are kindly encouraged to contact Miriam and Robin at danceabilitiescanada@gmail.com

Are you available to “dance-assist” at various monthly classes, events or workshops?

Volunteers with a dance, athletics or healthcare background (or dance enthusiasts of any age) are kindly encouraged to contact Miriam danceabilitiescanada@gmail.com

i.e.: Dance Warm Up: Arthritis Society Walk-a-thon June Sunday, June 3rd 2018

  • Woodbine Park
    1695 Queen Street East
    Toronto M4L 1G7
  • Registration Open: 9:00am
  • Walk Start Time: 10:30am

Are you interested in registering for a 2-day training with danceABILITIES?

Stay tuned for upcoming accessible dance trainings in 2018.