Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

Cynthia Pegado teaches `Art Moves Me` at the BPAC. (Submitted photos)
Cynthia Pegado teaches "Art Moves Me" at the BPAC. (Submitted photos)

Cynthia Pegado's 'Art Moves Me' awarded grant

Submitted

Mon, Oct 11th 2021 04:40 pm

‘Art Moves Me’ provides therapeutic dance & mindful movement for people impacted by Parkinson’s disease

A local therapeutic dance program for people with Parkinson’s disease has been awarded a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation.

“Art Moves Me,” facilitated by professional dancer and artist Cynthia Pegado, is a choreographed and mindful movement program for people affected by Parkinson’s disease or Parkinsonisms, including patients, care partners, family members and friends.

A press release noted, “The $23,100 grant was recently forwarded and will support these incredibly affective and highly popular classes in Buffalo over the next year.

“Pegado collaborates with the Burchfield Penney Art Center to incorporate art and music in leading her group through prescribed movements that are proven to benefit those with neurologically based movement disorders.”

“Art Moves Me” is one of program recipients of community grant funds supported by the Parkinson’s Foundation that furthers the health, wellness and education of people with Parkinson's disease.

"Art Moves Me" at the BPAC.

The press release noted, “In July, $2.2 million was distributed throughout 144 community-based grants that support local health, wellness and educational programs that address unmet needs across local Parkinson’s communities. One million Americans are living with Parkinson’s, with nearly 50,000 known cases in New York state alone and 60,000 people newly diagnosed nationwide each year. …

“Competition to receive funding is significant due to the high-quality program standards required for grant submission. The effect these programs have on the community is a huge part of their benefit. The physical improvement, the social connections, and the spreading of awareness all play into the benefits derived from the programs and the importance of the community grants.”

Pegado developed this program in conjunction with the Parkinson’s Foundation and the Burchfield Penney Art Center in 2017. She choreographs movement to music, not in prescribed dance steps (i.e., waltz, foxtrot, etc.), but in movements that help with balance, coordination and range of motion. This, the press release noted, “offers creative engagement with artworks through guided awareness of kinesthetic and proprioceptive senses and contemplative dance. These sustainable practices help to enhance emotional, psychological and social well-being. Mental health wellness is a core focus.”

"Art Moves Me" at the BPAC.

Upcoming sessions take place at noon on Thursdays: Oct. 21 and 28, Nov. 4-18, and Dec. 9 and 16 at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, 1300 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo. Participants may attend individual dates or the full series. Preregistration is required, as space is limited due to COVID-19 safe practices. A mask is required. Call 716-878-6011 during museum hours or contact Pegado at 716-262-8122.

For more information about the Parkinson’s Foundation, visit www.parkinson.org or call 800-4PD-INFO (473-4636).

Hometown News

View All News