The Dance Foundation has been counting students with disabilities among its clientele for years and last season offered a new class, Ballet/Modern, Adaptive Learning for students from 8 to 15 years old.
Students with disabilities or learning differences typically are integrated into classes at The Dance Foundation, but the new class was designed for students who would benefit from a smaller class size or an adaptive learning pace.
“We discovered there was a need for a class where students could have more one-on-one interaction with their teacher along with adaptations to some of the movement that meets their individual learning needs,” Shellie Chambers, director of the foundation’s Dance Artist Program for students in third to 12th grades, said in a statement. “The goals are the same for all of our other classes, and that is for each student to feel challenge, accomplishment and joy in dancing.”
The class, taught by Stephanie Murphy and Jackie Zarcone, provided a creative environment for improving gross motor skills, building strength and coordination, and working together with friends, Chambers said.
Students participated in the spring recital this past May and are looking forward to a new season of classes starting soon.
“Ballet/modern dance class is a highlight of Addi Joy’s week,” parent Heather Akins shared in a statement from the foundation. “This class has given her an outlet to be expressive and to move in ways that she has never tried before.”
Akins said Addi Joy has arthrogryposis, which makes her have low tone in some muscles and contractures in others.
“Stephanie (the teacher) has done a beautiful job of allowing Addi Joy to move in ways she feels comfortable and challenging her to try new things. The amount of pride and joy we all felt as she danced across the stage at the Alabama Theater was immeasurable!” Akins said.
Another parent, Kimberly Del Bosco, also praised the class in which her daughter participated.
“She is able to participate and learn dance without having the worry or pressure she may experience in a typical dance class due to her disabilities,” Del Bosco said. “She even got to perform in a recital. This class has given her confidence, the opportunity for a social experience and, most of all, she is having so much fun.”
Classes to Students Areawide
The Dance Foundation is a nonprofit organization that offers classes, community partnerships and studio space for community artists. Its Studio Program provides tuition-based dance classes for more than 500 students ages 1 to adult in a variety of dance styles.
The class the foundation has for preschool children and children with disabilities is Movement to Music, which features live piano accompaniment and weaves together dance, song, storytelling and creative play. These classes also are offered especially for students with disabilities. This season, the class is offered in short, six-week terms for students ages 5 to 10.
Ballet/Modern Adaptive Learning is offered September to May, along with many other classes in various styles. Classes for adults are offered in six-week sessions throughout the season. Registration is open for classes, and tuition assistance is offered for students in need.
The foundation’s Community in Motion program provides classes for students throughout Birmingham at dozens of schools and social service agencies such as The Bell Center, Hall Kent Rise Program, YWCA and many others.
To learn more, visit thedancefoundation.org.
