Adaptive dance classes provide an opportunity for children with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, or any other developmental and intellectual disabilities to explore the joy of dance with a supportive and knowledgeable team. Charlottesville Ballet follows the guidance of the Boston Ballet Adaptive Dance Teacher training program as well as from pediatric physical and occupational therapists from Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.
Classes are adapted to match the strengths and abilities of each dancer. Dancers will focus on creative movement, musicality, strength and flexibility, and coordination in a welcoming and structured studio environment. Intake forms are required upon enrollment to ensure that our faculty can help accommodate each child’s needs. Caregivers may observe and/or participate in classes if they wish.
As we begin this new program, we acknowledge that we still have many areas of improvement to be more inclusive to those with disabilities, but we are actively learning and striving to make those changes.
We also welcome any child with a disability who feels comfortable in a more academic dance class setting, without an assistant or caregiver, to join in any of our First Steps Classes, Children’s division classes, or Student division classes at Charlottesville Ballet Academy (CBA). We recognize that no child learns the same; everyone has unique and diverse needs that deserve to be celebrated and included in all dance classes.
For any class suggestions, to request accommodations (like a class assistant or buddy for your child), or for any other request you would like to make for your child to be successful in their classes at CBA this year (ex. visual schedules, stim toys, time or space to decompress), please communicate in our parent portal or email CBA Principal, Heather Rogers at [email protected].
IX Art Park Location: Academic Year | Adaptive Dance
Downtown Location: IX Art Park at 949 Second Street SE
2023-2024 CBA Calendar for the IX Art Park Location
| September 5 | Classes Begin |
| October 31 | Halloween – NO CBA Classes |
| November 21 – January 2 | CBA Thanksgiving & Winter Break – NO CBA Classes |
| January 3 | CBA Classes Resume |
| January 15 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day – NO CBA Classes |
| April 1-6 | CBA Spring Break – NO CBA Classes |
| May 24 | Last Day of CBA Academic Year Classes |