Aging Gracefully &
Dance for PD®
Designed for active aging—move with joy, age with grace.
Bring the Joy of Movement Anywhere
Our Aging Gracefully and Dance for PD® programs are available for groups and individuals at retirement communities, day programs, care facilities, and community centers—or right here on site at our studio. Movement is essential for healthy aging, supporting mobility, balance, and overall quality of life, while music adds an uplifting, connecting, and mood-boosting element.
All activities are adaptable—participants can move from a standing or seated position—so everyone can join in and experience the joy of dance.
Aging Gracefully
Stay active, stay joyful, and keep moving with Aging Gracefully. Designed for adults ages 55 and up, these classes celebrate the freedom and fun of movement while supporting mobility, balance, and overall well-being.
Research shows that while only 25% of aging is determined by genetics, the other 75% is shaped by how we live—so why not dance your way to a longer, healthier, happier life? Each class offers a welcoming space to move at your own pace, enjoy great music, and connect with others who share your energy and zest for life.
Aging Gracefully is more than exercise—it’s a joyful reminder that movement is for everyone, at every age.
Dance for PD®
Our Dance for PD® classes are inspired by the groundbreaking program developed by the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group. In these classes, professional dancers use their artistry to help people with Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers connect through movement, music, and imagination.
Participants explore dance while seated, at the barre, or standing—guided by experienced teaching artists through a joyful blend of modern, ballet, and social dance. Together, we move to music that strengthens the body, improves balance, and lifts the spirit.
Spouses and other care partners are welcome and encouraged to participate in classes, allowing them to experience the joy of movement alongside their loved ones and share in a creative activity.
9 ways dance can improve your life
What Happens in Class
Most sessions take place with chairs arranged in a welcoming circle—creating space for connection, creativity, and movement in a supportive environment. There’s no “wrong” way to dance here and no routines to memorize—just the joy of moving, expressing, and being part of a friendly community. No prior dance experience is needed!
Classes are led by Taryn Johnson, an experienced instructor with over ten years of teaching dance to adult learners of all abilities. Each class includes a mix of guided and improvised movement, inspired by social dance styles like the Waltz, Polka, and Two-Step. Participants are encouraged to move in ways that feel good for their own body and mobility.
Every session begins with a rhythmic, gentle warm-up and stretch, followed by seated movement activities set to an uplifting playlist of Big Band, Jazz Standards, Motown, Broadway, and occasional classical favorites—music that stirs memories and makes it easy to move.
Fitness elements like strength, flexibility, balance, endurance, and coordination are woven naturally into the class. Whether you dance with big movements, small gestures, or simply through your imagination, what matters most is honoring your body, enjoying the music, and finding joy in the movement.
Available Classes
Aging Gracefully at Northern Plains Dance
Wednesdays | 11:30am-12:30pm | $49
Ballet | October 29-November 19
Mobility | February 2-24
Dance for Seniors | March 4-25
Ballet | April 1-22
Mobility | June 3-24
Aging Gracefully
Missouri Slope
701-223-6407
St. Gabriel’s
701-401-4250
Contact sites for details
Host A Class at Your Facility
Classes can be scheduled individually or in sessions.
Please call 701.530.0986 or use the contact form below to discuss what may be the best fit for your group.