At the International Ballet Academy, we believe dance is art which should be available to all. For this reason, we offer adaptive ballet classes. Our online ballet classes are available to individuals with disabilities, special needs, or any unique circumstances.
Ballet offers benefits for all and having unique circumstances should not prevent access to the benefits of dance.
Whether you’re looking for a class for yourself or a loved one, the International Ballet Academy’s adaptive ballet can meet the needs of nearly an individual. Ballet is fun, a form of exercise, and beneficial for the mind.
We’re here to ensure everyone has the opportunity to benefit from dance, including those using adaptive ballet.
What Is Adaptive Ballet?
Ballet is a classic form of dance that has existed for centuries. Adaptive ballet takes the same aspects of ballet and adjusts to meet the needs of an individual dancer.
For some, adaptations are needed for physical reasons such as:
- Hypotonia – or loose muscle tone
- Cerebral palsy
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Injuries
- Limited range of motion
- Visual impairment
- And more
For others, adaptations are needing for intellectual disability, or a combination of physical and intellectual circumstances.
Whatever the reason a general ballet class is not a good fit for someone, adaptive ballet provides access to dance.
What Are The Benefits of Adaptive Ballet?
The benefits of adaptive ballet include many of the benefits of ballet in general. Ballet is a wonderful full body and mind exercise which improves overall wellness.
Some benefits of adaptive ballet include:
- Improved confidence
- Building muscle strength and endurance
- Aiding in cognitive development
- A fun way to exercise
- Developing more coordination
- Improve posture
- Learn patterns through simple choreography and beats
- Strengthen joints
Those are just a few of the benefits of adaptive ballet. To learn more, be sure to read Benefits of Adaptive Ballet.
Ballet in general provide immense benefits. If you or your child find typical ballet classes are not a good fit, adaptive ballet can help you still reap the benefits of ballet.
Why Online Adaptive Ballet Classes?
While many of us have gotten used to online everything during the 2020-2021 pandemic, we wonder if the best option is still online. Things are beginning to open up, classes are being held in-person in some locations. However, why still choose online adaptive ballet classes?
There are many benefits! Some of the benefits of online adaptive ballet include:
- Flexible schedule with synchronous and asynchronous classes
- No time spent commuting
- The comfort and privacy of your own home
- No risk of feeling behind, uncomfortable, or watched – important for those who are anxious
- Improve skills at your own pace
- All adaptions are possible
- Build confidence while being comfortable in your own space
- No fear or practical concerns with managing any meltdowns, frustrations, etc. if your child has social, emotional, or behavioral challenges
- Less concern over managing challenges with transitions if your child struggles with that
These are just some benefits of the online option. The number of dance academies which offer adaptive classes are limited. The frequency with which they are offered, and the ability to fill a class enough so it can be held are also sometimes limited. With online classes, there is less of a concern about schedule.
Getting Started With Adaptive Ballet
While equipment, clothing, and dance shoes can be beneficial for ballet at home, nothing is truly required. As you are dancing at home, you or your child can wear whatever is most comfortable. For children with sensory concerns, loose clothing is perfectly acceptable without worrying about ‘fitting in’ with the rest of the class.
To get started at the International Ballet Academy, you simply need to register. Make sure you have a good internet connection and somewhere comfortable to dance in your home. If it’s the right season, you can even dance on your patio, in your yard, etc.
As passionate dance instructors, we want to ensure we make dance available to everyone. Adaptive ballet and online classes are just one way we can do so.
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