Special Needs Program
Anyone can dance.
The Ideal Dance Special Needs Program is a way for us to reach out to the community. The class offered is for students with Down Syndrome, Autism and other developmental disabilities.
This program is a great way for children with special needs to get involved in an extracurricular activity while improving motor skills, confidence, and socialization.
Dance can be a unique and effective way to reach students with special needs because it is nonverbal. Dance can help students gain balance between the two halves of the body, allow them to express emotion, gain muscle control and work through traumas. In dance, we interact socially through parallel interaction, which can be less overwhelming on sensitive nervous systems. Through the use of simple patterns, sequencing, and repetition, students learn the basics of movement, rhythm, the fundamentals of ballet (such as the 5 feet positions), as well as reinforcing and practicing basic academic skills (letters, numbers, shapes, etc).
Requirements & Curriculum
The class is designed for students who have been diagnosed with Down Syndrome, Autism, or other Developmental Delays. However, if you feel that your child would benefit from this class, please do not hesitate to contact Ideal Dance so that we can help you place your child in the appropriate environment.
Students should not be in a medically fragile state (i.e., feeding tubes, etc.) due to being in close contact with other students and teachers.
Classes are blocked for 40 minutes with a maximum of 5 students per each class. (We have the capacity to add additional classes as needed.) Kaitlin Muczyk is the lead instructor.
Each class will have roughly the same sequence, to encourage structure and predictability. Those needing 1:1 direction at all times should bring their own adult or aid to class.
The students in this class are welcome to perform in the Ideal Dance annual summer performance, however, this is NOT a requirement. As the year progresses, we will evaluate whether or not the students and their parents would be comfortable in a performance setting.
Students should wear clothing that is easy to move in and are welcome to wear traditional dance attire (leotard/tights for girls and black tights/white shirt for boys). Because of sensory needs and sensitivities, a strict “ballet” dress code will not be required.
Ballet shoes are encouraged!
Grades 9-12 Enrolled Students interested in volunteering can do a brief 30 minute training to get involved! Please contact us for more details.
Contact us.
Ready to enroll? Or have some more questions?
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