Meet Dance for Parkinson’s Australia
November 18th, 2025
Tell us about Dance for Parkinson’s Australia. What is your mission?
The mission of Dance for Parkinson’s Australia is to improve the quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s, their communities, and the broader population through high-quality, inclusive dance classes. These classes enhance physical health and wellbeing, promote social connection, and encourage self-expression and creativity.
What are your programs and initiatives and why do you run them?
Dance for Parkinson’s provides hour-long classes for movement, dance and music in a fun, welcoming and social environment. The classes presented by Dance for Parkinson’s Australia, are designed to build strength, mobility, balance, coordination and grow social connections. They are appropriate for anyone with Parkinson’s and are also open to all seniors wanting fun, exercise and community. No dance experience is necessary, and partners, carers and friends are welcome.
How do you involve volunteers in your programs?
Volunteers are essential to Dance for Parkinson’s Australia. As a not-for-profit community group managed entirely by volunteers, the organisation relies on them to set up the rooms (including arranging chairs at the start of classes), welcome participants, and manage attendance and payments. Volunteers also take part in the classes and keep a supportive, watchful eye on participants, under the guidance of the teachers.
How do your volunteers make a difference in the community?
Volunteers make a meaningful difference by providing a welcoming, caring face for the participants as they arrive. They can be an ear for a chat, help with a chair and can assist with minor requests during class, such as water. Class volunteers are guided by the teachers in supporting participants.
What resources and services have helped to support your volunteer involvement?
The advertisements run by The Centre for Volunteering have assisted Dance for Parkinson’s in finding suitable volunteers for the Allawah and Concord classes.
What have you learnt about the value of volunteering and/or volunteer management?
Dance for Parkinson’s understands that volunteers are highly valuable and critical to the functioning of classes. The volunteers are an important, caring support function for the teachers and participants alike. As a not-for-profit community group, managed entirely by volunteers, they are invaluable.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DANCE FOR PARKINSONS
Membership
The Centre is proud to support organisations like Dance for Parkinson’s Australia, doing important work in the community.
The advertisements run by The Centre for Volunteering have assisted Dance for Parkinson’s in finding suitable volunteers for the Allawah and Concord classes.”
– Dance for Parkinson’s Australia