At The Watermark at the Pearl, movement and music recently came together in a powerful way.
KGW featured a Dance & Drumming for Parkinson’s class held in our Northwest Portland community, where participants living with Parkinson’s disease explored rhythm, movement, and connection in a welcoming group setting. The program is led by husband-and-wife team Diedre Jolley Smith, a longtime dance instructor, and Aaron Nigel Smith, a Grammy-nominated musician. Together, they use dance and percussion to help participants reconnect with their bodies and rediscover rhythm.
For resident Marci Martyn, the class offered something deeply meaningful. After her first session, she shared, “Oh, I danced! I danced!” — a moment that speaks to the joy, confidence, and possibility these experiences can bring.
The class is designed to meet participants where they are. Some move to the music, some drum along, and everyone is encouraged to engage at their own pace. As one participant shared, “Music and dance — it’s touching the soul.”
We’re proud to see this meaningful program highlighted and grateful for the moments of connection, movement, and joy happening right here at The Watermark at the Pearl.
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