Presenters:
Maria Shepertycki, Dance Educator and Physiotherapy Assistant;
Elena Ilin, Canadian Musician;
Physician Liaison: Martha Holt, MSc, MD, CCFP, FCFP

This experiential workshop examines how creative dance can enhance multiple dimensions of health—physical, emotional, cognitive, and social—while supporting identity formation and ethical awareness among participants (patients and practitioners alike). Adapted for both seated and standing participation, all exercises are fully accessible and require no prior dance experience.

For more than a decade, The School of Dance (Ottawa) has delivered Connecting with Dance, a free community programme designed for seniors and individuals living with Parkinson’s. Grounded in the principles of neuroplasticity, motor learning, and creative cognition, the programme integrates accessible movement with live music and guided imaginative exploration. The approach aligns with evidence-based frameworks such as Lee Silverman Voice Treatment BIG (LSVT BIG), emphasizing the therapeutic potential of dual-task engagement.

Qualitative data collected from participants and care-partners indicate enhanced confidence, balance, self-efficacy, and social engagement.

Participants reported:

· “Improved self-awareness of my potential gave me courage to keep attending class.”

· “Listening to and observing others helped me understand diverse perspectives.”

· “Clarifying my beliefs, likes, and dislikes was empowering.”


These narratives illustrate the relational impact of identity—how creative expression affirms individuality while cultivating belonging within a shared artistic and therapeutic space.

Framed through theories of embodied identity and reciprocal learning, this workshop positions movement art as both a therapeutic and cerebral practice: a site where artistic expression, rehabilitation science, and lived experience intersect. Findings suggest that integrating arts-based methodologies within healthcare contexts can promote resilience, ethical reflection, and sustained personal and professional growth, highlighting the vital connection between identity, creativity, and wellbeing.

Dr. Holt is a family physician with over 15 years of clinical experience and a strong commitment to medical education and patient-centered care. A graduate of the University of Ottawa’s Family Medicine program, Dr. Holt’s work is grounded in the understanding that health and wellbeing are shaped by culture, community, and lived experience. Dr. Holt currently serves as Unit Medical Director at the Bruyère Family Medicine Centre, a key teaching site within the University of Ottawa’s Department of Family Medicine, where they support clinical excellence and inclusive, team-based care for diverse populations. Previously, Dr. Holt spent a decade as Unit Postgraduate Director, mentoring residents and fostering reflective, supportive learning environments. In clinical practice, Dr. Holt provides comprehensive care across the lifespan, with a special interest in long-term care and improving quality of life for older adults. Outside of medicine, Dr. Holt has a lifelong passion for Ukrainian folk dancing, with experience in workshops and performances across Canada, the United States, and internationally. This connection to cultural expression informs her understanding of identity, resilience, and wellbeing.

COI Disclosure: I do not have an affiliation (financial or otherwise) with any for-profit or not-for-profit organizations

Maria Shepertycki graduated from the University of Ottawa with a combined focus in Human Kinetics and Social Sciences and since 2007 has worked as a Physiotherapy Assistant for a select number of Physiotherapy practices in the Ottawa area. Under the direction of a supervising Physiotherapist, Maria has provided comprehensive client-centered community and clinic-based care with a focus on neurological, cardiorespiratory, orthopedic and chronic pain rehabilitation. Since 2012, Maria has received training and provided treatment activities specifically for people with Parkinson’s Disease under the direction of LSVT Big! and PWR! Clinicians. Maria began her dance training in Ottawa at a young age, focusing her learning on ballet, character and folk-staged dance curriculums. She has remained involved in Ottawa’s dance community as a teacher and choreographer for students of all ages and abilities. In 2015, after attending advanced teacher training courses offered by Dance for PD®, Maria developed and began to teach ‘Connecting with Dance’, a programme of The School of Dance designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s Disease . Complementary classes that also combine the therapeutic effects of Parkinson’s-specific exercise, music and social connections were soon developed by Maria and added to the initial programme at The School of Dance in order to reach a broader range of participants and enhance overall learning.  Maria remains motivated to contribute to her students’ quality of life by offering classes based on her fusion of health and creative knowledge.