Ballet Spartanburg offers dance and movement classes for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological and debilitating conditions. For more than 22 years, this program has provided a welcoming environment where movement, music, and community come together to support individuals and their caregivers.

Our History

The program was created 22 years ago by Carlos Agudelo, who researched the benefits of dance and movement for individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease. Mr. Agudelo contacted the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group in Brooklyn, New York, and worked with these organizations to receive training in their specialized dance and movement methodology.

Today, all instructors teaching this program receive specialized training in the Mark Morris method, ensuring that classes are designed with the specific needs and abilities of participants in mind.

The Class Experience

Classes focus on movement, music, balance, coordination, and personal expression. Live piano accompaniment by pianist Nahla Filopos is an important part of the class. Live music allows the pianist to adjust the tempo—slowing down or speeding up as needed—to support the movement of individuals in the room.

Chairs and ballet barres are available to provide stability and balance. Each class includes a warm-up and cool-down, and participants are encouraged to move at their own pace.

Caregivers, spouses, family members, and friends are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Beyond the physical benefits, something special happens in the studio: a bond of community, empathy, and friendship begins to grow. Participants discover that they are not alone and that movement can be a powerful way to connect with others.

Benefits of Dance & Movement

Dance and movement can provide a variety of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social benefits, including:

• Relieving or reducing debilitating symptoms
• Supporting memory recall
• Encouraging mental clarity
• Aiding short-term mobility
• Improving stability and balance
• Helping loosen tight joints and muscles
• Improving overall movement and coordination
• Supporting social inclusion and artistic expression
• Lifting spirits and encouraging emotional well-being
• Building confidence through repetition, dance combinations, grace, and personal success

Classes are designed to emphasize repetition, musicality, grace, and individual achievement, allowing each participant to experience success at their own level.

About Our Instructors

Our instructors have received specialized training sponsored by the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group in Brooklyn, New York.

Ballet Spartanburg is proud to offer a program of this design in South Carolina specifically created to address the movement and artistic needs of individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological disorders.

Location & Class Schedule

Ballet Spartanburg Dance Center – Studio #3
First Floor, East Wing
Chapman Cultural Center

Tuesdays | 10:00–11:00 AM
Fridays | 10:00–11:00 AM

There will be no classes during Thanksgiving week or during the Christmas holiday break, December 22–January 4. Classes will resume January 5, 2027.

For more information, please contact:

Susan Woodham
swoodham@balletspartanburg.org
864.583.0339

Generously Sponsored

Ballet Spartanburg is honored to partner with the JM Smith Foundation and Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System to sponsor these classes.

Classes are offered at no cost to individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological disorders.

We are deeply grateful to the JM Smith Foundation and Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System for helping make this program possible and for supporting the individuals and families in our community.

Movement creates connection. Music creates possibility. Community creates belongings.