a Certified Dance for PD® program
BBT4PD
BBT4PD, or Dance for those living with Parkinson’s disease, is celebrating its 12th season of movement-based classes! Led by Boca Ballet Theatre’s incredible dance instructors, each class flows with constant energy. The director of the program, Cindy Surman, is the only instructor in Florida certified by the founding organization Dance for PD® (a non-profit by Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group). Team teacher Ines Lopez has also received training from Dance for PD! BBT4PD currently enjoys sponsorship from the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation and The Lisa and Mike Kelleher Fund.
The benefits of BBT4PD for those living with Parkinson’s are immeasurable, both physically and mentally. These benefits include increased mobility, better balance and posture, improved mood, decreased symptoms, and reduced sense of isolation associated with disease. The support participants bring to each other is a priceless social and emotional bonus. Classes are open to anyone with Parkinson’s, no matter their age, ability, or the advancement of their condition. Classes are also FREE of charge due to the generous support of our sponsors.
The atmosphere of each class is warm, inviting, and uplifting, featuring live music by accompanist Aly Tejas! BBT4PD’s teachers get participants moving, stretching, and oftentimes laughing! They enjoy the classes just as much as the participants, referring to the classes as the highlight of their week.
In each class, assistants Karen Wexler, Amanda Sewell,and Renee Rich and volunteer assistants Judi Steinhardt, Judie Stewart, Romina Navaza, Bernie Krutchik, and Ginny Riviezzo provide extra hands, smiles, and hugs to participants. Our wonderful helpers bring their hearts and souls to each class with their service and support!
Boca Ballet Theatre is very proud of this outreach program and of the passionate artists and generous community members who support its mission!
Join us for class!
Join us for free movement classes! Classes are be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1–2 PM! They will be hosted in person at BBT’s studios and will be broadcast simultaneously on Zoom! To access classes online, contact Cindy Surman at 561-995-0709 (ext. 226) or csurman@bocaballet.org for the Zoom invitation link. Accompanying family members and caregivers are welcome!
We’re looking forward to music that will keep participants engaged and motivated as they enjoy many forms of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, Broadway style, improve, and more!
BBT4PD Events
Share the Joy
Share the Joy is an in-studio presentation showcasing the inspiring and courageous participants of BBT4PD! Our next Share the Joy event will take place in the spring of 2025. All proceeds will benefit the BBT4PD program.
Positive feedback from the participants:
“Staff/Volunteers are outstanding! Compassionate, knowledgeable, talented, informed!” —Mary Jane Calin and her daughter/care giver Judy Ely
“I thank you very much for allowing me to participate in this program that provides gentle movement which helps reduce my physical decline. The instructors are creative and welcoming. I appreciate that we do a run through of the routine before adding the music. We are fortunate to have a pianist to accompany…it adds an element of luxury. I look forward to each class and appreciate that you have continued the zoom aspect. I feel connected to the class even though I dance with them virtually.” —Mary Austin, Zoom Participant from Canada
“I appreciate this service. It allows me to enjoy participation in scheduled exercises on a regular basis. The music is great. Kudos to the pianist. She is a treasure! Kudos to the entire staff for awesome classes.” —Brenda Durden
“The smiling teachers are so welcoming and personable. You chat with us. Every person is made to feel special. Real dance steps! Aly’s music makes the session really special! What a joy to see the team so happy and energetic. It’s infectious.” —Cathy Wang, Zoom Participant
Support BB4PD
For more information about BBT4PD classes, please call program director, Cindy Surman at 561-995-0709 (ext. 226) or csurman@bocaballet.org!
Interested in supporting this wonderful program? Learn more below about how your contribution can be used to help those living with Parkinson’s. Contributions can be made online here. Just be sure to designate on your donation form that BBT4PD was the program that inspired your generosity!
To support BBT4PD, you can also contact us at office@bocaballet.org or call 561-995-0709.