Dance Classes at Friendship Circle

Last weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to lead a dance class for children with special needs at Friendship Circle. This event involved eight classes, over 40 enthusiastic students, and an amazing team of more than 40 dedicated volunteers, each providing individualized assistance to each student. Here, I'll share the heartwarming and transformative experience of this dance class, highlighting the impact it had on the children, volunteers, and me.

The Friendship Circle is a wonderful organization dedicated to providing support individuals with special needs. I provided my service at their “Sunday Circle”, a morning and afternoon socialization and recreation program for kids ages 6-12 with various special needs. At “Sunday Circle”, the participants travel to different stations around our building to engage in a variety of activities. My dance class served as one of the stations.

We began each class with a session of stretching and conditioning. This provided an opportunity to discuss the importance of warm-ups and the role they play in preventing injuries. The children learned how these exercises prepare their bodies for physical activity. Following the warm-up, we introduced the children to a variety of dance moves. They were exposed to different styles, including ballet, hip-hop, and contemporary dance, allowing them to explore their preferences. After teaching the dance moves, we incorporated these new skills into an engaging round of freeze dance. The children twirled, skipped, hopped, and even attempted breakdancing moves, showcasing their creativity and enthusiasm. At the end of each class, we lined up the children, and they had the opportunity to curtsy or bow as a sign of appreciation and respect. As a reward for their hard work, they received stickers, adding an element of fun and positive reinforcement to the class.

Friendship Circle’s incredible team of over 40 volunteers played a pivotal role in the success of this event. Each volunteer was paired with a student, providing one-on-one assistance and support throughout the classes.

Teaching dance classes at Friendship Circle was an unforgettable experience that showcased the potential of inclusion and the transformative power of dance. It emphasized the importance of creating spaces where children with special needs can thrive and express themselves. I am truly grateful to have been part of this and look forward to future initiatives that promote inclusivity and opportunities for everyone to dance.

For more details, please do not hesitate to reach out at balletbridges@gmail.com or visit our Instagram @balletbridges to see photos, videos, and testimonials that capture the essence of our work for the community.