Love in Motion: How Bob and Hermie Malone Are Defying Limits Through Dance

At 86 years old, Bob Malone has lived a life full of movement. A lifelong athlete, he once found joy in jogging and walking, taking pride in the strength and stamina that defined his younger years. But over time, that movement began to slow. Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease just one year ago, though the signs had quietly crept in long before—cramps, tension, and a growing reluctance to move.

“I used to be active all the time,” Bob shared. “But Parkinson’s changed that. I stopped feeling like myself.”

Enter Hermie, Bob’s wife of many decades and now his dance partner. At 81, Hermie is full of energy, warmth, and quiet determination. She knew that Bob needed something not just to keep him moving, but to bring him joy again. Together, they found that in Rx Ballroom Dance.

The program gave them structure, purpose, and something to look forward to each week. More than just an exercise class, Rx Ballroom Dance offered a way for Bob to reconnect with the movement he loved—this time through rhythm, music, and partnership.

“It holds us accountable,” Hermie says. “We have something to work toward together. It keeps us active and gives us joy.”

And now, for the first time, Bob and Hermie will take the stage to perform at the Defying Limits Gala on May 10th. Their performance is more than a dance—it’s a testament to resilience, to partnership, and to the power of finding joy even in the face of a difficult diagnosis.

At Rx Ballroom Dance, we believe it’s never too late to defy limits. Bob and Hermie are living proof.

Join us at the Defying Limits Gala to cheer them on and support a mission that brings movement, connection, and purpose to people living with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions.

Get your tickets or donate today »