Adaptive Dance

About
Schedule
In the Spotlight

The Adaptive Dance Program, developed in 2002, is a successful and unique joint venture between Boston Ballet and the Department of Physical Therapy, Children's Hospital, Boston. The program reflects an innovative collaboration between the staff from both facilities and is designed to foster a love of dance and creative expression in children with Down syndrome. The primary goal of Adaptive Dance classes is for the children to experience the pure joy of dance and music. Additionally, program evaluation suggests that it has many other important benefits to the children who participate, including improvements in their coordination, overall fitness, balance, focus, listening, self-esteem, self-expression, rhythm and musicality.

“It gives our kids an opportunity to relate to others like them, and with others involved in a unique arts experience.”
-Adaptive Dance Parent

For more information about this program, please click here vburgman@bostonballet.org

Funding for Adaptive Dance has been provided by the Tim White Fund, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts Department of Education, The Krupp Family Foundation, The Yawkey Foundation and Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery Foundation.

The Adaptive Dance classes provide a positive atmosphere for the exploration of movement while maintaining a focus on the individual abilities of each child. Additionally, the Adaptive Dance teaching staff is deeply dedicated to helping each child develop self-confidence and enhance self-esteem. With the assistance of live piano and percussive accompaniment, the children also work to develop a sense of musicality and rhythm.

Students are required to participate in a screening class to ensure proper placement in the program.

Fall Session Dates: September 18 - November 20, 2010
Spring Session Dates: March 5 - May 14, 2011

Boston Studio:
Adaptive Dance 1.1 - Saturday, 8:00-9:00am
Adaptive Dance 1.2 - Saturday, 8:00-9:00am
Adaptive Dance 1.3 - Saturday, 9:00-10:00am
Adaptive Dance 1.4 - Saturday, 9:00-10:00am

Newton Studio:
Adaptive Dance 2.1 - Saturday, 2:30-3:30pm

Marblehead Studio:
Adaptive Dance 4.1 - Saturday, 9:00-9:45am

Hanover YMCA:
Information Coming Soon.

For more information please click here: vburgman@bostonballet.org

Faces of Boston Ballet: Faye Jones

Dance a Joy for Kids with Down Syndrome
Boston Globe
Thursday, June 4, 2009

Making a Difference: Tiny Dancers, Big Hearts
NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams
Thursday, April 9, 2009
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#30144540
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#30140987

A Chance to Dance
People Magazine
March 16, 2009