Spirit Rising

About Spirit Rising

Our Story

Spirit Rising is based in Lower Bucks County, PA, where we introduced our first Good Moves for PD dance classes for people with Parkinson's in June 2025. Since then, we have shared the joy of dance with dozens of participants in senior centers, clinics, and community venues all over PA and NJ.

Our Philosophy

We believe that dance should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, experience level, or health condition. That's why we offer a wide range of classes modified to suit older adults and seniors who wish to remain healthy and active in a safe, creative space.

Our Instructors

Our instructors are all highly trained and experienced teaching artists who are passionate about sharing their love of dance with others. They are dedicated to helping each participant achieve their fullest potential.

Meet Our Team

Candace Williams OTR/L, Owner and Lead Instructor

Candace is a native of Eastern Pennsylvania and the youngest of three siblings. Her earliest ventures into dance included opportunities to study and perform at renowned institutions such as Philadanco, Princeton Ballet School/American Repertory Ballet, and The Ailey School. She is the recipient of the 2008 ACDA/Dance Magazine Outstanding Performer Award, and has received critical acclaim from local and national media outlets for her work with dozens of choreographers over the span of her artistic career. Candace holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education from New Mexico State University and completed her Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from Gwynedd Mercy University. She is a recipient of the 2024 Dance for PD® Stanley J. Wertheimer Fellowship and has taught adaptive dance for children and adults living with motor and neurological conditions.

Affiliated Teaching Artists at Spirit Rising

Barbara Kibler

An incredible teaching artist with over 40 years of experience in dance and wellness education, Barbara is a welcome addition to Spirit Rising's classes and workshops! Barbara is a graduate of NYU and The College of New Jersey, and directed the prestigious George School's Dance Program from 1984-2023. In addition to instructing dance, she currently teaches Pilates and the Healthy Bones program in various NJ locations.

Dr. Kim Chandler Vaccaro

Dr. Kim Chandler Vaccaro, Associate Professor of Dance, Emerita, Rider University also taught at the American Repertory Ballet’s Princeton Ballet School for over 30 years. She is co-author of Jazz Dance Today with Lorraine Person Kreigel, editor of Dance In My Life, and a contributing author to Jazz Dance: Roots and Branches. Later her research centered on the mindfulness of dance teaching leading her to develop a movement system and write a book on CoMBo: Conditioning for Mind-body to guide dancers towards their personal optimal potential. Her latest book, Mura Dehn: Champion of Black Social Dance and the Traditional Jazz Dance Theater, was published by Bloomsbury Publishing, London in 2026.

Gabriella Tsypis

With over 10 years of ballroom dance experience in multiple styles and techniques, Gabriella Tsypis brings a fresh perspective to movement within the adaptive dance community. Passionate about making dance both accessible and engaging, she is excited to help others experience joy through movement! Gabriella is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at The College of New Jersey.