I was a dancer for 16 years, so I instantly felt a connection when I learned about the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s partnership with the Colorado Ballet. Along with the Anna and John Sie Center for Down Syndrome, the Be Beautiful, Be Yourself Dance Class for children with Down syndrome allows children ages five to nine to learn the art of dance and movement with the members of the Colorado Ballet.
Image courtesy of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation
Dancing is such a fantastic form of art for children (whether they have special needs or not!). From my experiences growing up a dancer, it provided me with greater self esteem, a sense of accomplishment, lifelong memories, not to mention it is awesome exercise too! The ten-weekly dance classes work on kinesthetic and cognitive skills through movements that incorporate shapes, rhythm, and basic dance steps.
Image courtesy of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation
Image courtesy of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation
I wish we lived closer to Colorado so we could participate in this fun program when Molly gets older! Be sure and follow the Global Down Syndrome Center on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news on their programs.
Did you know the Global Down Syndrome Foundation also has an annual fashion show?! This year the featured guest is Quincy Jones… yes *that* Quincy Jones! How cool is that?! I’ll save that fun story (and amazing pictures) for another day!
Do you have a dancer in your family? What does your child enjoy most about dance class?!
**I received no compensation for this post. I think this is a fantastic program and wanted to educate others about it. Thoughts and opinions here are 100% my own. **
Comments
A Mommy in the City
This program sounds amazing!!! Thank you for sharing.
Carrie with Children
I think so too! What a fantastic experience for these kids! Makes me want to go to Denver 🙂
Kristina
Cool post about Autism and dancing! We just did an article about autism and technology the other day: http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/windowsexperience/archive/2011/06/06/imagine-cup-winners-create-tool-for-autism-sufferers.aspx.
Thought you might find it useful!
Carrie with Children
Hi Kristina – That is a great article, thanks for sharing! It’s fascinating to see the impact technology has within the special needs community! So very cool!
Erica
Hello! Blog hopping from Bloggy Moms June Blog Hop! I loved this post…I have twin girls whom I refer to as the “Twinadoes” and they have been in dance since they were 3. They are going on 6. I do think that it provides them with a great way to get “wiggles” out as well as learning the discipline of a dancer (in a gentle way at this age.) I have seen their confidence grow and that provides me with much happiness. What I also love about the dance school they attend is that ALL children are there including a little boy who has Downs Syndrome. He is such a magical and animated little boy and I have seen SO many changes from our recital last year to this year…good, positive changes and he captured my heartache with his passion and love and his happiness! He twirled and jazz handed like nobody’s business and I truly love that my children get to learn that in life some people have challenges and they STILL dive right in. No holding back. Thank you for posting this! Your babies are precious!
Carrie with Children
Hi Erica – Thanks so much for stopping by! I love that you call your girls the “Twinadoes” – so cute! I appreciate you sharing your story! Its great to hear that they little guy has such a fun time at dance class…and I love that he rocks with the jazz hands too! 🙂
It’s fantastic that your girls are so welcoming of those with special needs! You are obviously doing a great job raising them!
Cassie
My oldest takes dance class and loves it. She used to take gymnastic and it was an inclusive class with special needs students which I thought was awesome. Not only does it help those with special needs but it raises awareness at a young age to excet differences. My daughter became close with one little girl who has down syndrom and that are such great friends. I know there are a few dance studios in my area that are inclusive.