An interview with Judith Sachs from Anyone Can Dance on July 13, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Please tell me a little about your background.
I started my professional life as a dancer and actor but moved on to writing books with doctors, since my father and grandfather were physicians. I was working on a project for a pharmaceutical marketing company in 2012 when I learned about Dance for Parkinson’s. I got certified and began teaching classes but soon moved onto developing other programs for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion is making life for those living with a partner and those living alone easier and more mobile until a cure is found.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
People in my classes tell me that they take each day at a time. And they MOVE as much as possible.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
My Close Contact for Couples with PD program is 6 weeks long and has been on Zoom since the pandemic. I am currently working with a variety of different groups on the East coast to attempt to get back in person. My Help Yourself – Living Alone with Parkinson’s program lasts 8 weeks, again on Zoom. And my Balance and Gait programs are ongoing.
What effect can Anyone Can Dance have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
I hope they make individuals and couples feel more confident and secure about movement and communication.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
I would LOVE to begin training programs for PTs and OTs so that my programs could be spread more widely.
What events do you participate in?
Any and all PD events. I love to speak and teach!
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Please go to www.anyonecanmove.com to sign up for programs or send me an email.