It is our Vision to see every person with Parkinson’s Disease free to move. |
It is our Mission to improve the quality of life of people living with Parkinson's Disease through the art of Argentine Tango. |
Meet Our Team
Issa Perillo, Co-Founder | Executive Director
A lifelong dancer, Issa is passionate about the therapeutic benefits of the Argentine tango and enamored with the haunting beauty of tango music.
Issa was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s in 2011 and the disease quickly affected her health, her work and her personal life. She left a promising career in the world of finance in exchange for a quieter, more indoor life. Issa’s love affair with tango began before her diagnosis but was placed on an eight-year hold due to the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s Disease. She became aware of the extensive literature on the positive effect and benefits of Argentine tango on Parkinson’s patients and found a refuge and a renewed perspective that inspired her to start a new project she is so passionate about: GO! Tango P.D.
When she is not dancing the Argentine tango, Issa enjoys walking on the lakefront with her husband and biggest supporter, Brian, and her Chihuahua Vanilla Bean. She also finds love and comfort in the company of her family and she frequently travels to visit her children and grandchildren who live in Phoenix, New Orleans and Washington D.C.
A lifelong dancer, Issa is passionate about the therapeutic benefits of the Argentine tango and enamored with the haunting beauty of tango music.
Issa was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s in 2011 and the disease quickly affected her health, her work and her personal life. She left a promising career in the world of finance in exchange for a quieter, more indoor life. Issa’s love affair with tango began before her diagnosis but was placed on an eight-year hold due to the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s Disease. She became aware of the extensive literature on the positive effect and benefits of Argentine tango on Parkinson’s patients and found a refuge and a renewed perspective that inspired her to start a new project she is so passionate about: GO! Tango P.D.
When she is not dancing the Argentine tango, Issa enjoys walking on the lakefront with her husband and biggest supporter, Brian, and her Chihuahua Vanilla Bean. She also finds love and comfort in the company of her family and she frequently travels to visit her children and grandchildren who live in Phoenix, New Orleans and Washington D.C.
Gloria Araya, Co-Founder | Movement Specialist
Gloria Araya is an International Dance Movement Presenter, Choreographer and Speaker. She is a passionate supporter of the arts, women’s issues, the environment and education. Using dance and music as her tools for inspiration, Gloria has traveled the world sharing her unique style of dance and movement philosophy. Nominated for Best Presenter in Switzerland, she has taught in Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America and is recognized in her hometown as Best of Chicago by Chicago Magazine. Gloria's creativity and love for teaching has been the source of inspiration to those who experience her classes, workshops and presentations. In addition to teaching GO! Tango P.D., she also teaches at the prestigious East Bank Club and Woman’s Athletic Club in Chicago. She holds private practice training and coaching for clients who are interested in dancing, improving their health or seeking support with their neurological issues such as Parkinson’s and MS. Motivated by her diverse interests Gloria founded Ayun Movement, a social enterprise offering nurturing learning experiences to inspire positive social change, and Traffic Stops Where Love Begins, a not-for-profit organization raising awareness of the issue of Modern-Day Slavery. Gloria studied Special Education for Children With Down Syndrome and Psychology at the University of Chile and as an autodidact and avid learner, she studies neuroscience, biomimicry, and photography.
Gloria Araya is an International Dance Movement Presenter, Choreographer and Speaker. She is a passionate supporter of the arts, women’s issues, the environment and education. Using dance and music as her tools for inspiration, Gloria has traveled the world sharing her unique style of dance and movement philosophy. Nominated for Best Presenter in Switzerland, she has taught in Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America and is recognized in her hometown as Best of Chicago by Chicago Magazine. Gloria's creativity and love for teaching has been the source of inspiration to those who experience her classes, workshops and presentations. In addition to teaching GO! Tango P.D., she also teaches at the prestigious East Bank Club and Woman’s Athletic Club in Chicago. She holds private practice training and coaching for clients who are interested in dancing, improving their health or seeking support with their neurological issues such as Parkinson’s and MS. Motivated by her diverse interests Gloria founded Ayun Movement, a social enterprise offering nurturing learning experiences to inspire positive social change, and Traffic Stops Where Love Begins, a not-for-profit organization raising awareness of the issue of Modern-Day Slavery. Gloria studied Special Education for Children With Down Syndrome and Psychology at the University of Chile and as an autodidact and avid learner, she studies neuroscience, biomimicry, and photography.
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Brian Swanson, Co-Founder | President
Although not much of a dancer, Brian brings many years of business experience to GO! Tango P.D. Brian got his start in the computer industry working for Nuveen Investments. During his 14 years with this financial firm, he managed their New York Data Center followed by the Chicago Data Center. Brian then accepted a position as a sales engineer manager for a firm that was eventually purchased my IBM. His next venture was the creation of a computer consulting firm for which he served as president for 23 years before selling the company in early 2019. Brian has recently started a new firm that works to develop and redevelop multi-family housing in the Chicago area. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on the composition of his rock-n-roll musical, attending Broadway plays and spending time with his family and friends. |