Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Ballerina Girl: The Special Needs Dance Class

For 13 years, I took ballet lessons.  I was not graceful and spandex was not the most flattering, but I loved moving to the music.  So when the opportunity arose for Ellie to be in a dance class, I rushed out and bought the little leotard, tights, and dance slippers hoping to pass on my joy of ballet to Ellie.



This is a special dance class.  A class where the teacher uses sign language.  A class where high school dancers help the teacher with the children.  A class where every child has unique challenges.  A class where Ellie is not the only hyperactive child running around like a wild banshee.  A class where she is not the only child wearing pull-ups (did you know that most dance centers require your child to be potty trained even if they have special needs? at least that is what I found.) There is a lot of patience and acceptance.  Two of the most important components of this class.



I am excited for Ellie.  She enjoys moving to the music and trying to mimic moves.  Also, I am hoping that she will learn to follow directions in this class.  Learn to decrease her impulsivity and wait her turn tippy-toeing across the dance floor.



How did her first class go?  She sat longer in the little circle time than her IEP dictates.  Success!  Then she spent the rest of the class back and forth running across the dance floor.  Little turkey!  She has a ways to go, but she smiled throughout the class and was worn out at the end.  Plus, they are letting us come back this week!





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15 comments:

  1. How fun! She definitely looks the part of a beautiful ballerina. I have found similar issues (potty trained only) with classes and I think it's really unfair. But I'm so glad you were able to find a class that has understanding instructors and a place where Bear will find acceptance.

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    1. I agree on the potty training. . . it is just for 45 minutes. It isn't like they have to change the pull up! Plus, I am right there so if there is a big blow out, I can change it!

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  2. She looks like she is having fun! That's wonderful that this dance center has a class that can accommodate Ellie's needs.

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  3. I wish Ellie and KAmdyn could be in class together. I think we're going to have to wait a couple of hers before we sign Kamdyn up.

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  4. There is so much I love about this! She makes a wonderful ballerina :)

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  5. I'm so glad she enjoyed it!! Love that sweet smile. :-)

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  6. She looked totally adorable in her little dance outfit!

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  7. Way to go Ellie! I can't believe studios have such strict potty requirements. Jeez! It's nice to see progress, even when it feels slow. And adorable!!!!!

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  8. I wan to hug all the teachers for creating this opportunity for Ellie and all the other children who need that extra bit of patience and kindness. They are heroes in my eyes!!

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  9. Oh my, what adorable photos! She's a darling--and all those shots of her in a tutu make me want to have a girl someday. :)

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  10. Wait! Am I all caught up already? Don't go disappearing on me now that I (yes, all about me) am back online! :)
    She looks gorgeous and I'm thrilled you were about to find such a great class.

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  11. She looks so stinkin' cute in her ballerina outfit!!! I wish we had a dance class around here for Madi! Love that they are so understanding and accommodating!!

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  12. I rarely type but I'm totally cheering for this young ballerina, She has a way to go, I smiled throughout as I am also attending dance classes, I get worn out at the end because this is the first time I have attended anything outside of City College.
    venues los angeles

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  13. Why not potty-train her? Aren't you sick of diapers yet??

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