Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is proud to offer the oldest Parkinson's dance program in the Midwest. The program uses contemporary dance techniques to work to slow the progress of the disease, as well as providing a community of support for our students.

What class participants are saying:

"It’s exhilarating. We learn to do things we never considered before, enjoy each other’s company and support. We end the day with a firmer stride and an improved outlook.”

"Here’s our reflection: As participants in the Parkinson’s Project for 8 years, we have experienced joy and energy in a loving community, enabling us to be confident dancers!”

"The instructors are tirelessly encouraging and supportive. The exercises increase range of motion, get you using muscles and joints that PD stiffens and cripples with tremors, and reminds you that, in spite of PD you are still a creative, expressive and physically capable person. You’ll also interact and dance with other friendly and encouraging PD sufferers. Besides medication, exercise is the best hope for slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease and PD dance at Hubbard Street Dance is an excellent option. Give it a try."

MICHELLE MODRZEJEWSKI

Michelle Modrzejewski (she/her) is a Chicago-based choreographer, performer, and dance educator. Her work as a commissioned choreographer, freelance performer and company member with Synapse Arts Collective has been presented throughout Chicago (Museum of Contemporary Art, The Dance Center, and Links Hall) and Minneapolis, MN (TEK BOX Theater). Michelle’s work as an educator spans ages, abilities, and disciplines, including dance integration, dance for adults with Parkinson’s Disease, and dance for children on the Autism Spectrum. As the Education and Adaptive Dance Faculty Head at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (2014-2021) Michelle integrated dance into over 50 Chicago Public School classrooms across the city, facilitated professional development and training for teaching artists and classroom teachers, and developed collaborative partnerships across the city with the Art Institute of Chicago and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Prior to joining the Hubbard Street staff, Michelle taught dance in both public and private settings for ages ranging from early childhood to adulthood, and beginner to professional. Additionally, she worked with the Chicago based wellness organization, Mindful Practices, using yoga and movement to engage and educate students and teachers in healthy classroom management and social-emotional learning practices. Michelle holds a B.A. in Dance Performance from Ball State University, a Post-Baccalaureate degree in Dance Education with K-12 Licensure from the University of North Carolina (UNGC), and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Dance Education through UNCG.  Photo by Todd Rosenberg.

ANNE KASDORF

On faculty since 2012, Anne Kasdorf (she/her) has taught across Hubbard Street's Education and Community Programs and previously served as Early Childhood and Adaptive Dance Faculty Head for the organization's Youth Program. Anne is in her 15th season with The Space Movement Project as a performer and choreographer and oversees company operations as Managing Director. She performed with Zephyr Dance from 2005-2012 and has appeared with dropshift dance and in Wili Dorner's Bodies in Urban Space. Anne is a freelance development consultant and writer and holds a BFA in Dance Performance & Choreography from Ohio University. She is the Education Program Manager for South Chicago Dance Theatre.