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.
If you need class suggestions or if there is anything your child needs 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].
Class Offerings
Classes are held at CBA’s Downtown Location at the IX Art Park: 949 Second Street SE, Suite #404, Charlottesville, VA 22902, Phone: 434.227.7592
2022-23 Academic Year Classes
Short Session Classes
2023 Summer Camps
Students will explore movements and take part in movement related activities and games in our Adaptive Dance Summer Camp.
2023 Summer Classes
6-Weeks: June 26 – August 8, 2023 (no classes July 3-4)
Class Information
All CB Moves classes are FREE of charge (please note that our system requires a credit card to register, but it will not be charged). Adaptive classes are for children with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. A parent or caregiver is welcome to take the class with the student. Only the student needs to be registered.
Attire: Any attire the student can easily move in (no buttons/zippers on pants). Students are welcome to wear any shoes (dance shoes or sneakers/support shoes) or bare-feet. Hair should be pulled back away from the neck/face if possible.
Schedule: Adaptive classes meet weekly and follow all CBA closings listed below.
2022-23 CBA Calendar
| November 22 – January 2 | CBA Thanksgiving & Winter Break – NO CBA Classes |
| January 3 | CBA Classes Resume |
| January 16 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day – NO CBA Classes |
| April 3-8 | CBA Spring Break – NO CBA Classes |
| May 26 | Last Day of CBA Academic Year Classes |
2023 Summer CBA Calendar
| June 26 | CBA Summer Classes Begin |
| July 3-4 | CBA July 4th Break – NO CBA Classes |
| August 8 | Last Day of CBA Summer Classes |