May 2026 Edition: “It’s A Blessing To Me.”
Photo credit: Nuria Rius
Dear friend,
“It’s a blessing to me.”
This is how one of our participants describes the experience of joining our community dance programs — reflecting on the sense of peace, connection, and joy they receive through participation.
This May, two important commemorations converged:
Older Americans Month — Champion Your Health
Mental Health Awareness Month — More Good Days Together
In reflecting on both, this quote rings that much more powerfully, inviting me to reflect on what it means to care for our health not only physically, but emotionally, socially, and creatively. And what role and responsibility we play in holding spaces that sustain the bonds, experiences and opportunities that nurture these types of meaningful relationships.
According to a recent study published in The Lancet, nearly 1.2 billion people worldwide are living with mental health challenges, particularly anxiety and depression — representing a 95.5% increase since 1990. Globally, more than 20% of adults over the age of 60 experience mental health challenges.
While no single organization can address the full scale of this need, what we continue to witness through our collaborations and sustained engagement in co-creative dance and storytelling is deeply meaningful: older adults, individuals living with dementia, and care partners alike begin to thrive. Participants experience personal and lasting shifts in mood, anxiety, confidence, and wellbeing that extend far beyond the time shared together in the studio and into their daily lives.
As one care partner shared about participating alongside their parent living with dementia:
“The biggest impact was emotional. It opened us up. It can get heavy, you know. And this was the opposite. It's joyful — and that carries. We've taken it with us. It lasts throughout the week.”
Participants often describe feeling more socially connected and confident both within and beyond the program. Many report improved mood, reduced anxiety, greater focus and attention, and a stronger sense of belonging. As one participant living with dementia reflected:
“The oneness that was created made it very special.”
Though each individual’s experience is unique, their stories share a common thread of transformation, liberation, creativity, and joy.
In this issue, hear directly from participants and collaborators about how engaging in dance is helping them champion their health and wellbeing.
You’ll also hear from Mark Timmons — advocate for brain health and mental health, and a person living with dementia — as he speaks to the importance of accessible mental health support for all, particularly in addressing the stigma and misconceptions often surrounding dementia. Read the full article to learn more.
Finally, May has been a month of celebration for all of us at DanceStream Projects. We are honored to have received several grant awards that will not only support meaningful projects alongside communities across New York City, but also help strengthen and sustain our growth as a young nonprofit organization.
As always, we welcome you to join our ongoing online and in-person dance and education programs.
We can’t wait to dance with you.
In service,
