About Us
Moving Through Possibilities (MTP) is a program that explores art, aesthetics, expression, communication, and joy via movement. We focus on the endless possibilities every single body has the potential for, rather than focusing on the challenges or limitations.
Our free dance classes -Parkinson's Dance- redefines the acronym "PD". the classes are held every Thursday at 1:45 PM at Dance Theater of Syracuse, 117 Harvard pl., Syracuse, NY. We welcome friends, family, caregivers, volunteers in our classes. No early registration is required, drop ins are welcomed.
Our program is inspired by Mark Morris Dance Group's Dance for PD program and follow its pedagogical and artistic approach. You can read the principles of this approach below (adapted from danceforparkinsons.org):
"The Dance for PD® approachThe Dance for PD® program is built on one fundamental premise: professionally-trained dancers are movement experts whose knowledge is useful to persons with PD. Dancers know all about stretching and strengthening muscles, and about balance and rhythm. Dancers know about the power of dance to concentrate mind, body and emotion on movement because they use their thoughts, imagination, eyes, ears and touch to control their bodies every day.
Dance for PD® teaching artists integrate movement from modern and theater dance, ballet, folk dance, tap, improvisation, and choreographic repertory. The Dance for PD® class is an aesthetic experience that uses the elements of narrative, imagery, live music and community to develop artistry and grace while addressing such PD-specific concerns as balance, flexibility, coordination, isolation and depression.
The classes engage the participants’ minds and bodies, and create an enjoyable, social environment that emphasizes dancing rather than therapy. Active demonstration by professional dancers inspires participants to recapture grace, while guided improvisation fosters creativity, and experimentation with movement.
“The fundamentals of dancing and dance training—things like balance, movement sequencing, rhythm, spatial and aesthetic awareness, and dynamic coordination—seem to address many of the things people with Parkinson’s want to work on to maintain a sense of confidence and grace in their movements. Although participants from all over the world tell us they find elements of the class therapeutic, the primary goal of our program is for people to enjoy dance for dancing’s sake in a group setting—and to explore the range of physical, artistic and creative possibilities that are still very much open to them.”—David Leventhal, Dance for PD founding teacher, Brooklyn, NY"
If you are interested in getting more information about the Moving Through Possibilities program, or if you would like to request a workshop in your area, please contact Tumay Tunur at [email protected] or call at (504) 570-0752.
Our free dance classes -Parkinson's Dance- redefines the acronym "PD". the classes are held every Thursday at 1:45 PM at Dance Theater of Syracuse, 117 Harvard pl., Syracuse, NY. We welcome friends, family, caregivers, volunteers in our classes. No early registration is required, drop ins are welcomed.
Our program is inspired by Mark Morris Dance Group's Dance for PD program and follow its pedagogical and artistic approach. You can read the principles of this approach below (adapted from danceforparkinsons.org):
"The Dance for PD® approachThe Dance for PD® program is built on one fundamental premise: professionally-trained dancers are movement experts whose knowledge is useful to persons with PD. Dancers know all about stretching and strengthening muscles, and about balance and rhythm. Dancers know about the power of dance to concentrate mind, body and emotion on movement because they use their thoughts, imagination, eyes, ears and touch to control their bodies every day.
Dance for PD® teaching artists integrate movement from modern and theater dance, ballet, folk dance, tap, improvisation, and choreographic repertory. The Dance for PD® class is an aesthetic experience that uses the elements of narrative, imagery, live music and community to develop artistry and grace while addressing such PD-specific concerns as balance, flexibility, coordination, isolation and depression.
The classes engage the participants’ minds and bodies, and create an enjoyable, social environment that emphasizes dancing rather than therapy. Active demonstration by professional dancers inspires participants to recapture grace, while guided improvisation fosters creativity, and experimentation with movement.
“The fundamentals of dancing and dance training—things like balance, movement sequencing, rhythm, spatial and aesthetic awareness, and dynamic coordination—seem to address many of the things people with Parkinson’s want to work on to maintain a sense of confidence and grace in their movements. Although participants from all over the world tell us they find elements of the class therapeutic, the primary goal of our program is for people to enjoy dance for dancing’s sake in a group setting—and to explore the range of physical, artistic and creative possibilities that are still very much open to them.”—David Leventhal, Dance for PD founding teacher, Brooklyn, NY"
If you are interested in getting more information about the Moving Through Possibilities program, or if you would like to request a workshop in your area, please contact Tumay Tunur at [email protected] or call at (504) 570-0752.
Who We Are |
Dr. Tumay Tunur is appointed at Syracuse University Exercise Science department. Dr. Tunur teaches undergraduate classes and her research focuses on effects of physical activity in people with Parkinson's disease. Dr. Tunur also has an extensive dance background. She has been trained in ballet, modern dance, Horton, international Latin dances and salsa. She has performed and taught nationally and internationally and won many championships. Currently, Dr. Tunur combines her research interests with her dance expertise by leading the Moving Through Possibility program. This program aims to engage community in movement and promote healthy aging. Dr. Tunur collaborates with Mark Morris Dance Group (MMDG), the founding company for World renowned Dance for PD® program, in research projects. She continues her professional development training with MMDG and is in the process of getting certified as a Dance for PD® instructor. |
Our History |
Dr. Tunur, in collaboration with College of Arts and Sciences (Syracuse University), SU Arts Engage, and the Aging Studies Institute, organized a two-day seminar featuring Misty Owens, one of the founding instructors for Dance for PD®, during Parkinson's disease Awareness Month in 2014 at Syracuse University. This event aimed to bridge the community with the researchers and medical doctors. During this event, we explored the needs of people with Parkinson's in Central NY area, discussed the latest treatment and rehabilitation options, and introduced a demo workshop for Dance for PD®. We were very happy to see the excitement and the interest in the dance workshop. Therefore, shortly after, we began offering our weekly free dance classes (Movement for Healthy Aging) in Fall of 2014.
In 2015, we were very proud to announce our on-going dance classes Parkinson's Dance with the new board and new curriculum under our Moving Through Possibilities program. We thank all our donors, supporters, and friends including Onondaga County Office for Aging Services, Madison County Office of Aging, Dance Theater of Syracuse and many more, for helping us create a positive and friendly community. |