Adaptive Dance

About Adaptive Dance
We value creating an inclusive environment across all classes at VDS and are proud to have offered adaptive dance classes since 2023. Our program is led by Laura Nolan, an occupational therapist who holds a board certification in pediatrics. Laura and other members of the VDS faculty have participated in specialized training for adaptive dance and have experience leading these classes. Designed to support dancers with disabilities, all adaptive dance classes are supported by assistants and volunteers who participate in ongoing training and education for supporting adaptive dancers. Our adaptive dance classes offer dancers the opportunity to learn in a supportive, inclusive environment. Adaptive dancers may choose to continue to participate in adaptive dance classes or participate in other classes at VDS when appropriate.

New reduced price! Adaptive dance is now only $50/month ($450 annual)
Early registration is requested to help us plan the classes, gather teen assistants, and prep for the best experience for your dancer! Register HERE to secure your spot today.

Adaptive Dance Classes

Adaptive Dance Explorers
Designed for beginning adaptive dancers, Dance Explorers introduces movement through creative dance, music, games, obstacle courses, and basic tumbling. Dancers build foundational motor skills, strength, balance, coordination, body awareness, and confidence while developing social skills, following directions, and expressing themselves in a fun, supportive, and inclusive environment. Students in Dance Explorers have the opportunity to participate in VDS’ end-of-year performance.

Adaptive Dance Explorers is ideal for dancers who are new to dance class and/or who benefit from an environment with a shorter, supportive, looser structure. Class placement is subject to teacher recommendation.
Class Duration: 30 minutes

Adaptive Spotlight Stars
Building on the foundation of Dance Explorers, Spotlight Stars helps dancers develop more structured dance skills through technique, choreography, and performance experiences. Dancers continue to improve strength, coordination, balance, motor planning, and endurance while building confidence, teamwork, musicality, and self-expression in a fun, supportive, and inclusive environment. Students in Spotlight Stars have the opportunity to participate in VDS’ end-of-year performance as well as various other performance opportunities, as determined by VDS staff.

Adaptive Spotlight Stars is ideal for dancers who have experience in adaptive dance classes and are ready for a higher level of structure and a focus on learning choreography and higher-level gross motor and dance skills. Class placement is subject to teacher recommendation.
Class Duration: 40 minutes

Adaptive Dance Class Dress Code
Our dress code for adaptive dance classers is flexible. Students must wear close-toed shoes, dance shoes, or grippy socks. Students must wear clothes in which they are comfortable moving. Apparel options can include traditional dance apparel (leotard and tights), gymnastics leotards, sweatpants, athletic shorts, tee shirts, and other comfortable clothing. Contact adaptive dance teachers with questions regarding the dress code.

MEET THE TEACHER
Laura Nolan, EdD, OTR | Instructor
Having grown up dancing at Village Dance Studio, Laura is proud to return to VDS as an instructor. Laura is an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy and pediatric occupational therapist. Laura has a Doctorate of Education, holds additional certification as an Autism Specialist, and brings her clinical background as an OT to dance classes at VDS. She has participated in adaptive dance teacher training through the Boston Ballet School and has enjoyed supporting Village Dance Studio dancers while developing the adaptive dance program. Laura is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments for children of all abilities and ages.