In January, the Winter Park Health Foundation (WPHF) partnered with the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to offer a free dance workshop and performance opportunity for Central Florida residents ages 50 and older. 

The week-long experience was part of the Pilobolus @ Play residency program, designed to inspire creativity and foster connection through expressive movement and dance.

Throughout the week, teaching artists from renowned Connecticut-based dance company Pilobolus led a series of “movement workshops” at WPHF’s Center for Health & Wellbeing that encouraged participants to engage in physical expression within a safe and collaborative environment. These workshops aimed to spark imagination, promote physical health and build community through shared artistry.

“It has been such an immersive experience for our folks, and when people are brave enough to participate in a program like this—one that gets them out of their comfort zone—the health benefits are going to be massive,” said Jackie Carlin, Director of the Center for Health & Wellbeing.

The program concluded on January 31 at the Dr. Phillips Center, where participants practiced their routines with full lighting and professional audio support. After the rehearsal, they gathered for a shared meal to discuss their positive experiences with their teachers and classmates.

The grand finale took place that evening inside the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater when the students performed their final pieces before an audience of friends, family members and community supporters. It was an inspiring showcase of creativity, courage and growth, and WPHF extends a standing ovation to the brave performers and their insightful instructors.

We are grateful to our partners at the Dr. Phillips Center for their collaboration in providing this unique and rewarding opportunity for our local community. We look forward to continuing to work together to promote both physical health and mental wellbeing through artistic expression.