Can My Child With Special Needs Take Dance Classes? What to Know Before You Start.

Can children with special needs take dance classes at Cavod? Will they be in a safe learning environment with teachers who are trained? Will they be loved and valued for who they are in Christ? Will the class match their physical and/or mental abilities? What are the benefits of dance for individuals with special needs? These are all fantastic questions! Let’s break them down, one question at a time.

At Cavod, we value every single person who walks through our doors. We have seen the need and desire for dance classes for individuals with special needs, and through the vision of former Artistic Director, Jill Hertzog, we created a safe space for special needs dance classes. This program is called Friends in Motion (FIM). In this class, each student learns five different genres of dance: ballet, jazz, worship, modern, and hip hop. Each class is paced differently based on the students’ individual needs. Friends in Motion was created so that children and adults with special needs can have a space to dance!

Each of our FIM classes has a teacher who receives training before every session. This includes understanding different disabilities and learning how to help if a crisis were to arise. Teachers also stay in close contact with each parent to discuss the child’s sensory needs, stressors, triggers, and learning style. This helps the teacher know how to best support each student. Along with our lead teachers, we also have at least one Teacher’s Assistant (TA) in every classroom. These TAs are trained to approach each child with love and care and to assist other students if a crisis occurs.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” — Psalm 139:13–14

At Cavod, we believe that each person is created for a specific time and purpose. Through FIM, we believe that every student is deeply loved—not only in the eyes of our Creator but also in ours. We strive to meet each student where they are, celebrate their victories, come alongside them in their struggles, and love them in the best way possible. We make sure to be aware of their sensory needs so that they feel accommodated and valued for who God created them to be.

Friends in Motion is so special because, even though there is a set class plan and goal, everything is adjustable. Dance does not have a certain “look,” and it can always be modified. The goal of each teacher is to help students with physical disabilities learn how to safely and correctly perform steps within their body’s abilities. For students with mental disabilities, the goal is the same. While the progression to reach these steps may take time, each teacher is committed to helping students grow right where they are.

Research has shown that movement and dance can greatly benefit individuals with special needs. A newer form of therapy called “dance therapy” uses movement to help work through trauma in the body, support mental health, and assist those with special needs. Movement helps the body learn control, enhance fine motor skills, improve synchronization, and build trust. While these are only a few of the benefits of dance, many people have testified to seeing growth and improvement in their loved ones through this art form.

Overall, our goal at Cavod is for every student to feel safe, loved, and cared for while growing in their identity in Christ. No matter their age, life circumstances, or physical and mental abilities—everyone deserves a space in the dance studio.

Kearin Bryant – Dance Instructor