Decidedly Jazz Danceworks has just completed an eight-month partnership with Parkinson Alberta and the University of Calgary's Dance program, hosting Dancing With Parkinson's: The Calgary Project.

I was able to participate in a few classes until I broke my toe... but that is another story for another time.  I didn’t know anyone, but like any fitness program there is a friendly banter throughout the room as people stake out their territory. The studio space is a long rectangular room. The chairs are arranged in rows facing the back wall of the studio. You begin sitting on a chair facing the instructor and once the piano man starts to play – it’s down to business.

For the first thirty minutes we work from a "sitting position" position. Tapping, slapping, stretching and a virtual free fall, not off your chair, but in your head. Mentally choreographing your own unique routine, everything is possible.

The second part of the class is choreographed dance steps. The chairs are put against the wall.  And we turn to face a mirrored wall.  It suddenly dawns on me that everyone has Parkinson’s.  I can see it in their faces. And I can see it in mine.

Rigidity is one of the symptoms in diagnosing the disease, which may affect your facial muscles.  If Parkinson’s had a face it would be a frown, and there is a disconnect between the cheerful voice and the unhappy face I see in the mirror.

The dance routine maybe choreographed, but I am in uncharted territory. 

For my worst fear with respect to Parkinson’s is that my grandchildren will not know my smile.

I sing the words to A Bicycle Built for Two.  The music reminds me of my mother’s piano playing. Step, step, slide, whoops, I go left instead of right, hold for two beats instead of four. I am such a klutz. I laugh.  I see my smile in the mirror.

Note to self - add laughing to exercise routine.

I can’t pose a profound question, or explain the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, so I’ll just introduce myself.  I am a Calgary based writer.  I’ve just published my first book, Naked Under My Coat – Writing Under the Influence of Parkinson’s, and yes I have Parkinson’s.

But to be clear, Parkinson’s doesn’t have me.

It has been almost 15 years since my formal diagnosis.  Like everyone else I have good days and better days.  My goal is to have more better days.  I can’t believe I’ve used “more better” in a sentence.

So how do I deal with Parkinson’s?  In my book I call it a gift.  It has given me a voice and a purpose.  So follow my blog if you need inspiration, and/or information.  

For the past two years I have been taking a yoga class once a week, and I do a Chi Gong routine in the morning.  But I need more activity, so I was interested in the Dancing with Parkinson’s program offered through Decidedly Jazz Danceworks.

I approached them with the idea of promoting the program in conjunction with my book launch.  I am certainly not a poster child for dance – but if I can help in some small way to raise awareness, and promote more research then count me in. My launch is happening at Loft 112 on the evening of Tuesday, June 10th. Details here. I'd love to see you there!

A lady at the dance class said to me, “I want Parkinson’s just like you have.”  Follow along.  It is not contagious but it is catching!