GO Tango P.D.

Issa’s Story

Issa has been living with Parkinson’s Disease since 2011. At the onset of the disease she was an avid Argentine Tango dancer. As her balance and posture became compromised, she decided to take a break from dancing. Her symptoms worsened and by 2016 she was also diagnosed with severe depression. Issa became fearful of been symptomatic in public so she became a recluse.

Issa’s neurologist recommended physical therapy. When she started the month-long program late last year, she noticed that the exercises were similar to many familiar dance movements. Issa discussed this with her therapist and before long, she blended Argentine Tango movement in her therapy and her progress was remarkable.

Issa teamed up with her long time friend, Gloria Araya, a dance teacher and movement specialist. Together they co-founded GO! Tango P.D., the only adapted Argentine Tango Dance class in Illinois for people with Parkinson’s Disease.

GO! Tango P.D. has been holding adapted Argentine Tango dance classes since March of 2019. Relying on word of mouth alone, we have accumulated twelve dedicated students who have already shown improvements in the areas of motor movement, balance and gait. What’s more, this program has provided an inclusive environment in which participants enjoy a social connection with each other.