Parkinson en mouvement (PEM) is a Montreal-based non-profit organisation founded in 2007 which has developped dance-movement and voice training classes designed for people with Parkinson's.

Based on the most advanced research as to the positive effects of music and of certain types of movement for people with PD, PEM is a unique initiative which brings together the expertise of both dance and physiotherapy, as well as elements of ergonomics and voice training. The dances foster improvements in strength, balance, endurance, range of motion, gait and posture, and integrate movements useful in daily activities.

Welcome to a typical Parkinson en mouvement class: a dozen people with PD dancing to lively music, doing the movements along with a physiotherapist & a dance therapist, and having fun at it! Quite an impressive sight since the most common symptoms of Parkinson's are 'freezing of movement', impaired balance, muscle rigidity, and tremors!

« Joining Parkinson en mouvement classes is the best decision I've made since I learned I have Parkinson's disease.»

« I am more confident, both physically & emotionally, now that I dance. »

A BIT OF HISTORY

When Sarah Humphrey was diagnosed with PD, she knew no cure had yet been found for this debilitating condition. She wasn't going to take this news 'sitting down' and looked into what was out there that could help slow the progression of her symptoms. In 2007, having heard of new research about the positive effects of dance and movement for people with PD, Sarah initiated PEM with dance therapist Joanabbey Sack from Concordia's Creative Arts Therapies department and physiotherapist Maura Fisher who works at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

In 2009, with research indicating the advantages of voice training for people with PD, choir coach Lisa Lapointe joined the team to include singing classes. Two other dance/movement therapists are now also part of the team.

PEM offers classes in three Montreal neighbourhoods : downtown, Rosemont-Petite-Patrie and Notre-Dame-de-Grâce.

DONATIONS TO PEM will serve to train other dancers and therapists so as to be able to provide classes to more people in more places. They will also help us improve on our class offer.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!