So, You Think You Can Dance? We Do!
Like everyone else, children with developmental delays and physical challenges can greatly benefit from creative expression through the arts. Dance, in particular, allows kids with differing abilities the opportunity to express their individuality, gain self-confidence and experience the joy of movement in new and rewarding ways.
But parents of special needs children often have concerns over the physical and emotional challenges their children might face when enrolling in a dance class. Will they be able to keep up? Will they make friends? Will they feel included? Will they be able to handle the physical demands?
DanceAbility Program at OI
Adaptive dance classes, like ones being offered at Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance in Wheeling as part of its DanceAbility Program, are tailored for individuals with differing abilities and focus on a creating an open environment in which all abilities can participate.
Several classes are being offered for the winter session, which begins the week of January 6.
Class Details
Beyond the Wheels: Explore the world of dance with creative movement and exciting music. This 8-week class is for preschool students through third grade who use a wheelchair. Class meets Mondays, 12:45-1:15pm (for ages 3-6) and Tuesdays, 6:45-7:15pm (for ages 7-11). More Details.
Me and My Coach 1.0: This adaptive dance and tumbling class is for children ages 18 months to 31/2 years and their parent, aide or therapist. It will engage the dancer in movement and exercise sequences that will encourage communication skills and physical development to increase large and small gross motor skills. The eight-week class meets Thursdays from 9:30-10am. More Details.
Me and My Coach 1.5: This adaptive dance and tumbling class is for children ages 31/2 to 61/2 and their parent, aide or therapist. It will engage the dancer in movement and exercise sequences that will encourage communication skills and physical development to increase large and small gross motor skills. The eight-week class meets Thursdays from 10-10:45am. More Details.
Mixed Abilities Cheering: Everyone deserves a chance to cheer for their favorite team! Students, ages 4-8, learn basic cheers with movements. The eight-week class meets Saturdays from 11-11:30am. More Details.
Seeing through the Eyes of Dance: Seeing impaired students explore the world of dance with creative movement and exciting music. This eight-week class is for preschool students through third grade with limited or no sight. All students should bring a parent or therapist. Class meets Mondays, 12-12:30pm (for ages 3-6) and Wednesdays, 8:15-8:45pm (for ages 7-11). More Details.
Stretch and Grow: This class works with a students, ages 2-4, and parent or therapist. Movements and songs work on gross motor skills and muscle development. The eight-week class meets Tuesdays from 3:30-4pm. More Details.
Find Out More
For more information, contact OI director of dance Cheryl Pompeo at 304-242-8807. To register for classes, visit www.oionline.com or call 304-242-7700.