What People Are Saying
"More fun-filled therapy for Parkinson’s can hardly be imagined!"
"Amazing spirit and an exuberance that is contagious..."
Keep Movin’ for Parkinson’s luncheon
(L-R) Alan Isaacson, Debbie Sternbach, Larry Strauss
"As a neurologist who has practiced for over 30 years, I long ago learned that movement is one thing that consistently alleviates the stiffness and tremor which plague people with Parkinson's disease. I was thus intrigued to watch a Dance Moves Me! class. Debbie Sternbach and Woodrow Thompson’s passion and commitment shined through as they led their class through both seated and standing movement patterns. Dancing to a number of show tunes, participants were on their feet "high-stepping" with the music. Tremors present at rest disappeared and movement became evermore fluid as the participants, clearly enjoying themselves, were taken expertly through a number of professional routines. More fun-filled therapy for Parkinson's can hardly be imagined."
- Steven J. Holtz, MD, FAAN Associate Clinical Professor of Neurology, UCSF San Francisco Neurological Society, Past-President California Neurology Society,Past-President Association of Clinical Faculty, UCSF Member, Government Relations Committee American Academy of Neurology
"Debbie and Woody bring amazing spirit and an exuberance that is contagious to Dance Moves Me! Upbeat, challenging and fun…everyone's motivated to dance and keep movin’."
- Jane Levy, PD Active Board Member
"Watching Debbie Sternbach and Woodrow Thompson teach a Dance Moves Me! class for people with Parkinson’s, which includes my husband, who looks forward to it all week, has been a revelation. Both Debbie and Woody are professional dancers, but beyond that, they are exceptional leaders: rather like Pied Pipers for adults. They have an almost magical ability to bring out the joy, the grace, and the exuberant spirit of dance in people who have left behind the ease of movement they knew before PD. Woody and Debbie simply believe there is an inner performer in each of their students, and they help each student find it. They invite that performer out to play – and to dance. Without missing a step, they find a way to engage and include everyone, allowing each person to be part of a greater whole, as well as to feel like and become a star performer. Their energy, enthusiasm, and generosity of spirit, combined with a deep respect for each student, makes this experience uplifting for everyone: dancers, care partners, observers. It’s probably the most fun you can have in 90 minutes."
-Kim Barnes, care partner
"Debbie Sternbach brings her vivacious artistic skills and showbiz pizzazz to focus on the needs of people with Parkinson’s. For the two years she's worked with me in my Parkinson’s Disease & the Art of Moving classes, she has charmed and delighted our students. She has a caring heart. I am confident her Dance Moves Me! class will be fun and adventurous for her students."
- John Argue, master teacher of a mindful movement program for people living with PD; author of Parkinson’s Disease & the Art of Moving
Instructor Debbie Sternbach
"Debbie Sternbach’s Dance Moves Me! program is a godsend to our Parkinson’s support group and to the Bay Area PD community. Our members rave about Debbie’s enthusiasm, talent, and professionalism in delivering dance classes that keep us moving with joy and vigor."
-Howard Zalkin, Co-President, Parkinson Network of Mt. Diablo
"Dance Moves Me! classes feature the expertise of Debbie Sternbach, whose extensive knowledge and keen eye in the classroom are the result of thirty years of professional dance experience in performance, choreography and teaching, which, combined with her irresistibly engaging personality, results in an unforgettable dance experience for her Parkinson’s students."
- Sam Weber, internationally acclaimed tap dance artist, master teacher,
New York “Bessie” award winner for outstanding creative achievement
"Debbie brings a new dimension to dancing. She has that ebullient, infectious personality that makes even a non-dancer want to dance. She is a treasure and simply a delight to be around."
- Paula Millman
"You are such a dynamo.”
Dance for PD instructor
Bay Area Consortium