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Community Corner

Adaptive Class Dances With Individual Flair

Dance Expression's Adaptive Dance class was so successful that they will be adding a second class this Fall.

' Adaptive Dance Class was the hit of the studio's recital a couple of weeks ago, and next month the students will be performing at the Heritage show in Lowell on Thursday, July 12 at 6 pm, according to studio owner Jessica Durante.

What began as a 4-week pilot in February took off from there, she explained. 

Durante said that she always had a couple of girls with special needs in regular classes, but they struggled. After receiving several inquiries from parents in the area, she decided to schedule a separate class on Sunday morning. Nine children, ages 5-12, with varying disabilities had fun while learning to dance.

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"We had 15 volunteer helpers along with teachers Devin, Kristen, Nicolle and myself," she explained.

The girls who are from Tewksbury, Billerica and Stoneham have a range of physical, autistic and cognitive disabilities. Three girls have cerebral palsy and use walkers, she said.

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Durante pointed out that there are not many adaptive programs in the area and was extremely surprised by the lack of sensitivity of those dance studios that have them. 

The key is to figure out what each child can do and work with that. Durante said she talks to parents, physical therapists and other specialists. But it is a "learn as you go" process, and some of the girls have exceeded our expectations, she explained. 

"The walkers are a challenge," she said. But she was amazed when the girls were able to jump up on the balance beam using them.

Durante sees the children's for dance, loves to work with them individually and to see their faces light up.

Due to its success, Durante said she will probably add a class for the older girls and move both classes to Saturday morning. Weekends are better for volunteers and since there are fewer classes on the schedule, it is less distracting for the students. 

The t-shirts especially printed for the students, volunteers and teachers, sums it all up, according to Durante. 

It reads: "ADAPTIVE DANCE, Friends for Life," arranged in circle surrounded by children holding hands. Below the words, "Our Mission is to enhance the lives of children and young adults with disabilities by giving them every opportunity to improve their Health, Fitness, Coordination, Self-confidence and Social Skills."

The Heritage show is sponsored by Heritage Ice Cream located at 163 Pawtucket Blvd. in Lowell.

Dance Expressions, which is beginning its 16th year, offers classes in Tap, Jazz and Ballet. For more information contact the website, email or call 978-851-8640.

 

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