Adaptive Dance Classes

A teacher is with a little boy in a supported stroller playing with a scarf. Text reads: Adaptive Dance Classes

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 2CBA Thanksgiving & Winter Break – NO CBA Classes
January 3CBA Classes Resume
January 16Martin Luther King Jr. Day – NO CBA Classes
April 3-8CBA Spring Break – NO CBA Classes
May 26Last Day of CBA Academic Year Classes

2023 Summer CBA Calendar

June 26CBA Summer Classes Begin
July 3-4CBA July 4th Break – NO CBA Classes
August 8Last Day of CBA Summer Classes