Downtown Everett Dance School Introduces Class For Kids With Sensory Processing Issues

The Dance School on Rockefeller has started a pilot program for kids age 8 – 13 who have issues maintaining focus, may be on the autism spectrum or have other sensory issues but want to dance. The program, entitled “Dance, the Senses and Emotion”, will run for four Sundays in the month of November. Heidi Heimarck explains how the program is being developed…

“We had some students who just couldn’t focus enough or were on the autism spectrum and got too stimulated during dance classes, resulting in withdrawal or disruptive behavior. Conversations with parents made it clear that these students want to take dance, and the parents would love to have them take dance, but maybe another approach was needed to keep them engaged and succeeding.

One of our instructors, Sarah Seder, recently started a program like this in South Seattle, and we approached her about whether or not she was willing to begin a similar program here. I then looked for additional expertise to ensure that our program isn’t just thrown together, but is created with adequate support and input.

After a few team meetings, the result is this pilot class — and from there we’ll get a handle on the interest level and other needs that we might discover.”

In addition to instructor Sara Seder, the team behind this pilot program includes Todd Provancha, Julie Kafkalidis and Monica Tabor. If you’d like to find more information, click here or call The Dance School at 425-259-6861.

[ad#Google 4]