Feb. 12, 2026 — California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) is deepening its
commitment to community wellness, interdisciplinary learning, and inclusive arts through
the launch of A Feeling for Healing, a new adaptive dance program designed for people living with Parkinson’s disease
and other mobility challenges. The program officially began on Jan. 30, 2026, at the
Pleasant Valley Community Center in Camarillo. 
Developed through a collaboration among CSUCI’s Health Science Department, the Dance Studies Program, the CSUCI Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), and the Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District (PVRPD), A Feeling for Healing reflects the University’s mission to extend academic expertise beyond campus and into the heart of the community.
Inspired by the internationally recognized Dance for Parkinson’s® model, the program offers welcoming, accessible dance classes that prioritize movement, creativity, and connection. Classes are thoughtfully designed for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and others experiencing movement limitations, emphasizing adaptability, inclusivity, and compassionate instruction in a supportive group setting.
Classes are led by CSUCI Dance Studies faculty Bonnie Lavin Hughes, a trained teaching artist with specialized experience in Parkinson’s-focused dance instruction. Sessions support balance, coordination, confidence, creativity, and emotional well-being. Movement is personalized and adaptive, allowing participants to engage while seated, standing, or using mobility aids. Care partners are encouraged to attend and actively participate alongside their loved ones.
Classes meet Fridays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Pleasant Valley Community Center Room 7. Program fees are $12 per week or $72 for a six-week session.
Through this initiative, CSUCI demonstrates the powerful role of dance as both an academic discipline and a tool for health, connection, and lifelong learning—bringing together education, wellness, and community impact through movement.
Registration is now open through the Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District. For more information, call 805-482-1996 ext. 201 or email classes@pvrpd.org