Program Overview

Introduction to the School of Dance

The School of Dance at George Mason University offers a unique program called Dance for PDŽ, which provides free classes for people with Parkinson's disease.

About Dance for PDŽ

Dance for PDŽ is a movement-based class that begins slowly with warm-up movements and progresses to combinations of movements to a variety of uplifting music. The class offers not only physical benefits but also reduces the dancers' social isolation, which is commonly associated with this neurological disease.

Class Details

• Classes are free and open to the public, but registration is required.
• Classes take place on Fridays from 1:00pm-2:15pm in deLaski Performing Arts Building 3009 each Spring and Fall.
• The Fall 2025 dates are:
  • September 19
  • September 26
  • October 3
  • October 10
  • October 17
  • October 24
  • October 31
  • November 7
  • November 14
  • November 21

Program Overview

Dance for PDŽ offers internationally-acclaimed, research-backed dance classes for people with Parkinson's disease. The program provides comprehensive teacher training and certification, creates innovative instructional media, and nurtures relationships among other organizations so that classes based on their model are widely available. Evidence from more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific studies serves to underpin the effectiveness and benefits of the Dance for PD teaching approach.

Benefits and Recognition

The program has been featured in such media channels as The New York Times, USA Today, NBC, CNN, NPR, and The Guardian, and has received multiple awards for its groundbreaking work. Dance for PDŽ classes are designed to empower participants to explore movement and music in ways that are refreshing, enjoyable, stimulating, and creative.