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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’s 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
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 hour-long 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.
“My son is developing lots of self-confidence and esteem. He used to be shy but is now blossoming and comfortable expressing himself.” Adaptive Dance Parent
Boston Adaptive Dance 1.1 8:00 – 9:00 am Adaptive Dance 1.2 8:00 – 9:00 am
Adaptive Dance 1.3 9:00 – 10:00 am Adaptive Dance 1.4 9:00 – 10:00 am
Marblehead Adaptive Dance 4.1 9:00 – 10:00 am
Current tuition is $155, and scholarship funds for families who need financial assistance may be available.
Students are required to participate in a screening class to ensure proper placement in the program.
For more information please click here: bwartman@bostonballet.org
Dancing with Down Syndrome Summer 2008, USA Today In Boston, some kids with Down syndrome are getting a chance to feel like prima ballerinas when they attend a program developed by medical experts at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Boston Ballet. Dance a Joy for Kids with Down Syndrome Boston Globe Thursday, June 4, 2009 Making a Difference: Tiny Dancers, Big HeartsNBC Nightly News with Brian Williams Thursday, April 9, 2009http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#30144540http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#30140987A Chance to Dance People Magazine March 16, 2009
