Who is a dancer? Everyone who has a body.
Because we celebrate the dance in every movement and the dancer in every body, we offer a wide range of programs for individuals with diverse abilities and goals. Some of the people who benefit most from dance are the very ones building skills and exploring their world through active play.
We partner with local organizations, such as The Bell Center and Mitchell’s Place, to offer dance programs that complement their services. We recently talked with Jeannie Colquett, Executive Director of The Bell Center, and Sara Nall, Executive Director of Mitchell’s Place, to explore their partnership with The Dance Foundation.
Joy and Positivity at The Bell Center
The Bell Center is dedicated to maximizing the potential of children from birth to three years of age who are at risk for developmental delay. They support children and families through early intervention, infusing their lives with hope.
“It all starts with joy and positivity here at The Bell Center,” said Executive Director Jeannie Colquett. “We meet families when they are struggling. All of them are worried, and some are losing hope. The Bell Center helps them understand what’s possible by offering services from transdisciplinary teams, which include a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speech-language pathologist, and an early childhood special education teacher. We see The Dance Foundation as an essential part of this team.”
Dance and movement complement the work of therapists and teachers.
“Sometimes, dance provides a transition or a reset as we move from one approach to another. If a child has been a little bit on edge or they hit the wall, they have the opportunity to reset with music. They’re going to be in a better place to work on new goals,” said Colquett. “It also offers a fresh approach to working on skills. For example, if a child has been working on independent walking, they can become tired and frustrated quite quickly. But then the dance teacher leads movements with everyone seated in their chairs until, as a part of the routine, the child is encouraged to take a few steps to pull a scarf off the instructor. I can’t tell you how often we reach new independent walking milestones because walking isn’t the focus.”
The Dance Foundation also supports The Bell Center’s language development efforts.
“Their instructors encourage expressive language, and the children get practice with two and three-step commands. This is an outstanding complement to the work our speech language pathologists are doing.”
Colquett appreciates that The Dance Foundation’s instructors and musicians are trained to adapt to each dancer’s unique abilities and needs.
“The teaching artists work with musicians to lead our classes. Live music makes a profound difference. And the teaching artists and musicians visit the same class over time, allowing them to really get to know the kids and build meaningful relationships. They are able to adapt on the fly. If a child needs calming, they use soothing music. If a child needs stimulation, they bring in something upbeat. It’s tailored every single visit.”
Mitchell’s Place
Mitchell’s Place specializes in improving the lives of children affected by autism and other developmental disabilities. They use quality diagnostic, educational, and therapeutic services to unlock each child’s potential.
“Dance is a profoundly enriching experience for the students at Mitchell’s Place, and it holds particular significance for children on the autism spectrum,” said Mitchell’s Place Executive Director Sara Nall. “These children often encounter obstacles in areas such as communication, socialization, sensory processing, and motor skills. However, dance classes from The Dance Foundation offer a structured yet creative environment that can address these challenges in a fun and engaging manner.”
“Through dance, nonverbal children may find a new way to communicate and connect with others. The physical movements fundamental to dance aid motor development and coordination, and the social nature of dance classes facilitates the development of interactive skills with peers and adults. Perhaps most importantly, dance gives kids on the spectrum a chance to take part in an enjoyable group activity centered on their interests and strengths.”
Find out More
We would like to thank The Bell Center and Mitchell’s Place for their long partnerships with The Dance Foundation. And we are grateful for the encouragement from Jeannie Colquett and Sara Nall. They have been valued partners in helping us expand ideas about the role that dance can play in every life.
Children benefit from learning opportunities that appeal to all of their senses. These benefits are even more profound for children with different abilities. Contact us to learn more about how we might work with your organization.
The Dance Foundation offers dance classes for all ages and abilities, including adults. Would you like to learn more about The Dance Foundation? Call us at (205) 870-0073 or register for dance classes online.