It’s Autism Acceptance Month and before it ends, I have to do two things: First, celebrate my daughter and all the amazing kids I know with autism. And second, help parents of neurodiverse kiddos find the same fun opportunities for their kids that neurotypical kids have.
I danced (poorly) as a child. I wanted to find something for my daughter, so I posted in Facebook groups and asked around. Finally, I found – and fell in love with – a KC Ballet adaptive dance class for kids with autism and other special needs.
‘A place to express themselves’
“Our adaptive dance team believes that students of all abilities deserve a place to express themselves and further their dance education with access to high-quality instructors and ballet curriculum,” Nora Burkitt, the adaptive dance coordinator at the Kansas City Ballet, said in an email interview.
“Dance in general helps develop physical, social, and creative skills and we provide a supportive and safe environment for our students,” she said.
The teachers talk to parents, use visuals, give extra prompting, modeling, and allow additional time for processing to help the dancers be successful.
My strong-willed girl often tries to do her own thing and the teachers will go to where she is and do the dance moves on the floor next to her if she won’t come to the circle. It really feels like a family.
I truly admire their patience, because let me tell you, the sassy little girls with autism in my daughter’s class are a trip. They’re all so smart and know they don’t have to follow the rules. And sometimes, they don’t.
I asked Burkitt and co-teacher Erin Muenks, their favorite part of teaching adaptive dance classes. For them, it’s seeing the kids enjoy something they’ve loved for years.
“Both Erin and I have danced since we were toddlers and it’s a gift to pass on that love to our own students,” said Burkitt. “It’s exciting to see students achieve goals that they have been working on throughout the year in both the dance and school environment.”
Growth and development and scarves
Burkitt and Muenks said the adaptive dance classes, combined with school and therapy support, have helped students with balance, strength and coordination. They give the kids props to manipulate (scarf time is always a favorite), and that helps fine motor development.
The teachers said they see the students using cognitive skills to problem-solve and answer questions during class. And they’ve seen students develop relationships with both peers and teachers.
My daughter has been dancing for three years, and I’ve watched some of the dancers give hugs to the teachers and climb into their laps.
I’ve seen the girls comfort each other when one was crying. At one point, my daughter and a classmate had their own private dance class, running around in circles holding hands. Muenks told me she wasn’t even mad at it – it was great social interaction.
There are adaptive dance classes available both at the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity near Union Station and at the Kansas City Ballet’s South Campus at Meadowbrook. They’re not just for littles, either. There are classes for 8-13-year-olds and classes for those 14 and older.
Burkitt said some students in the adaptive program have been dancing since the classes started in 2015. Others might join for a session.
“But we enjoy dancing with everyone all the same,” she said. “Getting a chance to experience something that was previously inaccessible for so long is a joy on its own.”
Dance class for kids, therapy for parents
Going downtown to dance on Saturdays is like attending a little support group with other parents who get it.
“I love the adaptive dance class,” said Aisha, one of my fellow dance moms. (Her daughter is THE cutest.) “I really appreciate the chance to connect with other moms, and she loves being around her peers in such a fun, supportive environment.”
Me too. I text my ballet mamas, share resources, memes, stories, and they were first on the list when I planned my baby’s birthday party.
Listen, being a parent to any kid is hard. Being a parent to a kiddo with autism can be even harder. But we are certainly not destroyed or suffering. We are thriving. And so are our kiddos.
Other adaptive dance classes in KC
All About Dance by IDKC, Sparkle program
8560 N. Green Hills Road, Kansas City, MO 64154
Cheer Abilities, Team INSPIRE
6855 W 152nd Terrace, Overland Park, KS 66213
Dance Expressions
8305 Hedge Lane Terrace, Shawnee, KS 66227
