ParKanDo upbeat as face-to-face dance classes return

Shannon Parsons (front) leads the ParKanDo dance class. (Joe Mastroianni) 233729_01

Goya Dmytryshchak

A group for people living with Parkinson’s this month resumes face-to-face meetings and dance classes for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brooklyn’s Pam West, who founded the ParKanDo peer support group for people living with Parkinson’s in Melbourne’s west, said she was excited to meet the many new members who had joined.

“It is with great excitement that we announce ParKanDo’s first concurrent face-to-face and online meeting,” she said.

“This means you can participate either in person or online via Zoom.

“Parkinson’s Victoria’s Victor McConvey will be the guest speaker followed by a Q&A session.”

The meeting is at Newport Community Hub and online on Monday, April 26 at 10.30am.

Register via parkando.west@gmail.com or 0417 690 335.

A new dance and wellbeing class has started at Brooklyn Community Hall, as well as continuing online.

The class is led by Dance for Parkinson’s and Wellbeing Victoria teacher, Shannon Parsons.

“After the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to the planned classes that were organised byParKanDo West in 2020, they did not give up,” she said.

“Embracing the online environment, those that could migrated to participating in online classes via Zoom.

“Now 12 months later, and with the support of Hobsons Bay City Council through its Make It Happen Grants program, the time has come to begin classes that will be offered both face-to-face and online, allowing for people to do what is comfortable and safe for them.

“Classes are also open to all seniors and people with chronic conditions and disabilities, their family members and carers.”

To register, visit https://form.jotform.com/210870873986874

Goya Dmytryshchak