Is Adaptive Dance a Good Fit?
Adaptive dance is designed for dancers who may benefit from additional support, flexibility, or a more individualized approach to movement and participation.
A diagnosis isn't required to know whether a dancer may benefit from additional support. If you're unsure whether adaptive dance is the right fit, I'm happy to talk with you.
Dancers may include individuals with:
Autism
Down syndrome
Cerebral palsy
Sensory processing differences
Developmental or physical disabilities
Traumatic brain injuries
Visual impairments
What To Expect in Class
Structure & Flexibility
Classes follow a predictable rhythm while leaving room to adapt activities, pacing, and participation for individual dancers.
Individualized Movement
Movement can be modified to support different bodies, abilities, communication styles, and ways of participating.
Support When It Helps
Visual supports, sensory tools, breaks, small class sizes, volunteers, and caregiver participation may be used to help dancers feel successful.
Joyful Dance Experiences
We're still here to dance. Music, creativity, connection, skill-building, and the joy of movement remain at the center of class.
Find Your Class
01
Beginner Adaptive Dance
Ages 5+
A welcoming introduction to dance and creative movement with individualized support, flexible participation, and opportunities to build confidence and movement skills.
Sundays, 11:45-12:15
02
Teen + Adult Adaptive Dance
Ages 13+
An inclusive dance experience for teens and adults focused on movement, music, creativity, connection, and developing dance skills in a supportive environment.
Sundays, 12:30-1:00
Adaptive Dance classes are offered through St. Louis Academy of Dance. Visit SLAD to view the current schedule, tuition, availability, and registration.
Built For Different Ways of Moving
Adaptive dance isn't one-size-fits-all. I plan classes with different bodies, communication styles, sensory needs, and ways of participating in mind, while keeping the experience joyful, creative, and rooted in dance.
Individualized support
Activities can be adapted to meet dancers where they are while still allowing them to participate alongside their peers.
Sensory-aware teaching
Class structure, transitions, props, volume, and pacing are considered with different sensory needs in mind.
Extra hands when helpful
Caregivers are welcome to participate when needed, and trained volunteers and university students studying fields such as OT, PT, and education may assist in class.
Classes are led by Ms. Karly, an experienced adaptive dance educator with specialized training in inclusive and sensory-aware teaching.
