On a recent Wednesday morning, a group of patients with Parkinson's Disease gathered in the Atrium at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago to take part in a special arts workshop.
Dancer J'Kobe Wallace was on the premises and leading a Movement Workshop for the patients. Wallace is a co-dance captain and cast member of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical," which runs through Nov. 30 at The Cadillac Palace Theatre. The workshop was held in collaboration with Broadway in Chicago and Rush Medical Center.
J'Kobe Wallace leads a Movement Workshop for Parkinson's patients recently at Rush University Medical Center. Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez
"There is no wrong way to move and no wrong way to dance," said Wallace, as he spoke to the workshop participants. Wallace and the workshop attendees were seated in a circle as they learned bits and pieces of choreography from "A Beautful Noise."
Wallace talked a bit about what it was like to work on the acclaimed musical and about his love of the arts prior to leading the workshop.
"I like to share my love of the arts and dance with others," he said.
Dancer J'Kobe Wallace demonstrates various movements during a workshop for Parkinson's patients in Chicago. Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez
"A Beautiful Noise" is currently on a national tour. This is the second time the show has been in Chicago. The production tells the story of Diamond's life and rise to fame and features many hit songs from his catalog. (Diamond, who no longer tours, has Parkinson's Disease).
While the song "Soolaimon" played in the background, the patients followed along as Wallace demonstrated a few routines.
J'Kobe Wallace shows Movement Workshop participants choreography from "A Beautiful Noise." Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez
Dr. Jori Fleisher, a Movement Disorders specialist with Rush University Medical Center, said a workshop such as this was very beneficial to patients.
" We know that Parkinson's can limit people in terms of movement and it can also cause so much stigma," Fleisher said. A workshop like this shows how the performing arts can help the patients and have a positive impact on their lives as well as give them confidence.
She added many more people today are "living and thriving" with Parkinson's.
"We love to see these type of pop-ups (for workshops and activities)," said Gabrielle Perruzzi Sovers, development manager for the Midwest Chapter of the Parkinson's Foundation.
Movement Workshop participants listen to dancer J'Kobe Wallace at Rush University Medical Center. Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez
Perruzzi Sovers said the workshop proved to be great fun for the participants. She added it was wonderful to see them "singing and moving their bodies."
The North American Tour of " A Beautiful Noise" has a partnership with the Parkinson's Foundation and is helping to raise funds for the work the organization is doing. Rush University Medial Center is a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence. For more information on the show visit BroadwayInChicago.com.