ABOUT
Our Mission:
To provide participants living with Parkinson’s Disease, other neurologic conditions, and older adults an opportunity to enjoy the many pleasures and possibilities dance and music offer as a form of complementary therapy. The class is also open to family and caregivers to enjoy the benefits dance has to offer.
To further investigate the benefits of movement for those living with PD, other neurologic conditions, and older adults.
Juan Carlos Claudio
Founder
Juan Carlos Claudio
Founder
Juan Carlos Claudio also serves as Co-CEO of MINDING MOTION For Graceful Aging an active and creative program for older adults residing in assisted living and memory care communities. He has been teaching dance and creative movement to all ages for over twenty years. Juan Carlos obtained his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Utah, Department of Modern Dance where he also later held the position of Assistant Professor from 2009-2016.
As a Senior Artist Specialist he holds a Creative Arts and Aging Teaching Artist Certification from the National Center for Creative Aging, First Aid/CPR/AED Certification from the American Red Cross and The Basics from the Alzheimer's Association which include: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, Effective Communication Strategies and Understanding and Responding to Dementia Related Behavior. He is currently completing his Dance for PD® certification from the Mark Morris Dance Group in New York and the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America Golden Hearts®: Senior Fitness Certification. He is also a firm believer that "Dance is for Everybody" and he believes that it is essential to the development of the individual as a whole.
Lennie Swenson
Faculty Mentor
Lennie Swenson earned her doctoral degree in physical therapy at the University of Utah in 2018. She is currently an Associate Instructor at the University of Utah Physical Therapy and Athletic Training Department. She earned her BFA in modern dance from the University of Utah in 2006, and is excited to combine her knowledge about dance and physical therapy in order to better serve the community.
Carly Schaub
Instructor
Carly earned her MFA at the University of Utah in the Department of Modern Dance. She is currently an Adjunct Professor at Westminster College and Salt Lake Community College. Ms. Schaub is also pursuing the completion of her Dance for PD® certification, and serves as an invaluable asset to the Grey Matters Program.