What is Adaptive Dance Class (ADC)?
Adaptive Dance Classes (ADC) invites students with neurodivergence and disabilities to explore their physical, creative, and social-emotional skills in a supportive, structured, and predictable space. Using Brain-Compatible Dance Education, Integrative Movement Therapy, improvisation, and movement games, we ADAPT each class to support each dancer's goals.
What Does a Typical ADC look like?
ADC classes consist of 5 parts:
- BrainDance Warm-up: The BrainDance is a full body and mind warm-up developed by Anne Green Gilbert. The BrainDance sequences through eight fundamental movement patterns of early human development. This helps focus the brain, prepares it to develop new neural networks, strengthens coordination and the brain/body connection, and increases blood flow to the brain and body. The BrainDance warm-up is part of all classes at Eastside Dance.
- Exploration of Movement Concepts: Core dance concepts like rhythm, speed, or levels are introduced in class throughout the year. Dancers explore the concept through dance activities, locomotor skills (e.g. marching, galloping), and guided improvisations.
- Skills Development: Beginning Ballet, Jazz, and Hip-hop steps and choreography are introduced.
- Creative Movement: Student-led activities like improvisation or obstacle courses give dancers a chance to explore the locomotor skills and core concepts learned in class. Student-led activities develop independence and self-confidence.
- Cool-Down: Dancers review what was learned in class through low-sensory/quiet reflection and/or fine-motor skill activities (e.g. drawing).
How Do You Support Individual Needs?
To adapt the class for each dancer, we ask families to complete the ADC Student Introduction form. This allows us to provide specific accommodations for each student and tailor the class to support each student's goals (e.g. IEP, social-emotional, academic, physical, etc.)
Are Caregivers Required in Class?
Caregivers are optional for students who can move unassisted.
Are there disabilities and/or neurodivergences that cannot be accommodated?
Incontinence and violent behaviors towards oneself or others are not supported at this time.
Do You Accept DDA?
Not at this time, however, we are working towards being able to accept DDA.