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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 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, 2010Spring Session Dates: March 5 - May 14, 2011
Boston Studio:Adaptive Dance 1.1 - Saturday, 8:00-9:00amAdaptive Dance 1.2 - Saturday, 8:00-9:00amAdaptive Dance 1.3 - Saturday, 9:00-10:00amAdaptive 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
Dance a Joy for Kids with Down Syndrome Boston Globe Thursday, June 4, 2009Making a Difference: Tiny Dancers, Big HeartsNBC Nightly News with Brian WilliamsThursday, April 9, 2009http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#30144540http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#30140987A Chance to Dance People MagazineMarch 16, 2009
