In yesterday’s post, guest blogger Amy Stout described her emotions during daughter Kylie’s recital in the Ballet Des Moine’s Dance Without Limits program. In today’s post, she gives more details about the program and the impact it had on their family.
Dance Without Limits, Part 2
The Details
Dance Without Limits is a division of Ballet Des Moines. It is a ballet/dance class for children with special needs who otherwise would not have this opportunity. Each child is assigned at least one ballerina helper (usually a teenage girl or other adult volunteer) that works directly with that child. It is wonderful for forming a trusting and anxiety-free bonded relationship.
The classes meet once a week (usually a Sunday afternoon) and the children learn basic ballet moves in language they can understand and relate to. No child with special needs is turned away.
Dance Without Limits also has a physical therapist on hand to monitor the children and be available for various needs.
The Recital
At the end of the season, there is a recital. Family and friends are invited to attend and the children are given costumes that have been donated by caring and generous donors. The parents bring snacks for everyone to share.
The children perform for 3-5 minutes and then the ballerina helpers wow us with their dance skills. It is impressive and just short enough that the children do not become restless.
Afterwards, each child is presented with a pinwheel and a tee shirt signed by all the dancers.
It is an amazing experience.
The Philosophy
For our family, specifically, this was the first time that Kylie was willing to leave us. We were thrilled when she would take Maria’s hand and go into the studio. And how we loved watching through the window.
Monika Peltz is a superb teacher who is incredible with these children. She and her helpers are of the elite in the Des Moines area.
Dance Without Limits is also very accommodating…they accept each child just as they are. For example, they did not care one bit when Kylie refused to wear her dance clothes and instead showed up in a “Pinkalicious” dress up dress. Nor did they care when she carried in a large, hard-back fairy tale book (which had to stay right next to her the entire time – (as a comfort object).
I believe that those are the very things that made all the difference in whether this program was successful for Kylie or not. She TRUSTED them, because they accepted her exactly as she is.
The Impact
This season’s session is now over, and our entire family is in mourning. It was a positive experience for all of us. We can’t wait for fall and are super excited to make even more memories.
I remember how afraid I was the very first day we arrived and I know the confidence and trust I feel for them now having experienced all that Dance Without Limits offers. My daughter is in the very best, loving, caring and generous hands that I can imagine!
The Slide Show
You won’t want to miss the slide show of Kylie’s debut as a ballerina. Just make sure you have plenty of tissue handy beforehand so you don’t have to pause to get some. Music credits go to Kutless and Janelle, but the smile credits are pure Kylie.
Your comments are always welcome, so come back after watching the slide show to share what you thought of it. And remember, you can visit Amy’s family any time at www.histreasuredprincess.blogspot.com.
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