Dates: January 18, 25, & February 1, 8, 22, and March 1 (No Class on February 15)

Please note: We are aware of an error causing the timezone for this event to display as MST. The series will take place in Pacific Time (PCT). We apologize for any inconvenience.

Events on or after November 1 will show as one hour earlier than they are if added to your Outlook calendar. This is an issue with the change from Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) to Pacific Time (PCT).

Discover how mime, imagination, and creative expression can offer a fresh way to explore movement while living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Developed by artist and PD advocate Barbara Salsberg-Mathews, Mime Over Mind draws on professional mime techniques to explore everyday movements through awareness, visualization, and playful exercises.

Emerging research highlights the potential of arts-based activities to support wellbeing for people living with PD, with promising findings around stress and anxiety, emotional wellbeing, and social connection coming out. Through imaginative exercises, Mime Over Mind offers an opportunity to practice coordination, balance, body awareness, and motor memory in a creative, supportive environment. There’s no pressure to get things right, just an opportunity to experiment, express yourself and have fun! 

Why Mime?

• Add variety to your movement routine: A creative, mindful practice that brings a different approach to movement. Mime techniques can be explored through everyday activities such as walking, holding a glass, eating, and getting dressed.
• Adaptable to you: Exercises can be modified to suit your needs and how you’re feeling that day.
• Explore the power of imagination: Visualization and repeated movements are used to practice body awareness, coordination, and movement control.
• No special equipment needed: Just bring your curiosity and willingness to give something new a try.
• Share the fun: Take inspiration from the exercises to enjoy creative movement with friends, loved ones, and children/grandchildren!

What to Expect in Each Class

Each Mime Over Mind class follows a similar format:

• Tuning In: Connect with your body’s rhythm and presence through a multi-sensory warm-up.
• Recap: Revisit previous lessons and practice remembering what you’ve learned.
• Introduce: Explore new techniques and add to your Mime toolkit/Trickle Trunk.
• Free Play: Experiment with the movements through individual and partner activities, enjoying what you’ve explored together.

No previous mime or artistic experience is needed – all are very welcome!

About the Instructor: Sarah Martens

Sarah Martens has a background in physical theatre and dance and has been working with people with Parkinson’s since 2020. She is a certified Dance for PD and PWR! Moves instructor and was mentored by Mime Over Mind creator Barbara Salsberg-Mathews in 2023. Sarah leads online and in-person movement classes for people with PD, combining her experience in movement and expression to help participants explore greater body awareness, ease, and confidence.

To learn more about Mime Over Mind, visit https://mimeovermind.com/

Parkinson Society BC appreciates all gifts, as they allow us to continue to offer programs people with Parkinson’s disease and their carepartners rely on. If you wish, you can make a donation by entering an amount in the Additional Donation field.