DANCE FOR DISABLED

CHILDREN
BY: LASHAWN PUTT
CDC ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) tells us that: Intellectual and Developmental disabilities (IDDs) are disorders that are usually present at birth

and that negatively affect the trajectory of the individuals physical, intellectual, and/or emotional development. Many of these conditions affect multiple body

parts or systems. Which makes learning dance 10 times harder for them and learning to dance is difficult is hard period. There has to be a way to make learning

dance easier for children with disabilities. Go on to see what I found during my time of research.

Dance is not just a physical activity, but also it is a form of creative expression.

(Batema, 1)


Not only is the movement helpful but the music can be inspirational as well.

(Positive Effects of Dance on Children, 1)


Some children with special needs have great difficulty expressing themselves or understanding emotions. Dance gives children a chance to break out of

their shells and express emotions in a non-threatening and non-judgmental environment.

(Batema, 1)


Children with these needs might have a list of symptoms, including poor attention, difficulty interacting with peers, limited body awareness, or trouble

being in social situations that might be over stimulating. Expression through dance or participating in group movement are activities for special needs

children that can help improve these difficulties and put children with special needs on the level of their neurotical peers. (Batema, 1)

(Batema, 1)


When we dance, we need to be aware of the space around us, align out bodies, or follow particular movement patterns, which involve gross and fine

motor control. When children with special needs are taught dance, they are practicing these skills.

(Batema, 1)


These activities for special needs children also help give them confidence. Children in these dance programs often give recitals, so they preform in front

of parents and the community. Even in each class, they are preforming in front of each other, which strengthens that peer bond and motivates them to

improve.

(Batema, 1)


Another way dance activities for special needs children help is through promoting social interaction. Many of these classes are groups, and children are

placed with their peers.

(Batema, 1)

Dance is very powerful. It can give dancers the power to express their inner life, or give concrete thinkers the open doors to their imaginations. But most

importantly, it gives a way of communication to children who struggle with it.


You can re-enact situations through dance or just practice moving to a beat. Children with special needs might be instructed to try to move their bodies in

new and interesting ways they might not have thought of before.

(Batema, 1)


Self-expression is a vital part of our experience as humans. But for people with physical disabilities, participation in arts programs can be a challenge in

and of itself.

(The Arts: Dance, Drama, and Visual Arts, 1)

Children dancing with a group work together and cooperates in dance routines get benefits of friends and being able to relate to others.

Individuals suffering from various illnesses/ diseases including cancer, arthritis, memory loss, and more, have proven that dance has improved their

endurance, strength, movement, and most of all, their outlook.

(Serendipity Dance, 2)

Carol Greenstein is the mother of Hannah, six year-old with down syndrome, says, Dance class is beneficial because it is social, fun, and gives children a way to

express themselves. (The Benefits of Dance Class for Children With Special Needs, 1)
Michael ODonnell is the father of Kiera, a six year-old girl with down syndrome, says, Dance aids with body awareness or comfort with/ understanding of ones

abilities. Dance also helps with confidence and social skills. (The Benefits of Dance Class for Children With Special Needs, 1)

Dance has also been found to have very positive results for children and adults on the autism spectrum. The rich sensory/ motor experience that dance

provides may minimize the frequency and intensity of negative behaviors.

(Batema, 2)


For adults and children with special needs participating in dance can have a calming effect. Children participating in dance/ movement usually show an

increase in their self-esteem and confidence through mastering new skills.

(Serendipity Dance, 1)

WORKS CITED PAGE

(Batema, 2015)
(Greenstein, 2016)