The Academy

Adaptive Dance

Dance Classes for students with disabilites in Kansas City

KC Ballet Adaptive Dance Programs offer creative movement and ballet classes in an open and supportive environment for children and adults.

Younger students will experience rhythmic activities guided by our team to stimulate fine and gross motor skills and speech and language development, as well as sensory, visual and auditory processing skills. Teens and adults will experience a traditional ballet class in an open and supportive environment. Class sizes are limited.

KC Ballet Adaptive Dance Benefits

  • Provide activities that lead to, support, and reinforce an understanding of dance by encouraging movement, creative activity, and sensory awareness.
  • Encourage appreciation and awareness of their own bodies and the bodies of others.
  • Stimulate fine and gross motor development.
  • Stimulate speech and language development.
  • Stimulate sensory, visual, and auditory processing skills.
  • Establish routines.
  • Encourage attention, cooperation, and impulse control.
  • Encourage exploration and self-expression through dance in a safe and structured environment.

Ages 3-7

Ages 8-13

Ages 14+

Performance Opportunities

WATCH WEEKS

KCBS hosts two annual watch weeks for families, one in the fall and one in the spring (see the school calendar for dates).

End of School Year Performance

All Kansas City Ballet School students have an end-of-the-year performance opportunity in May.

 

A teacher and four adult dancers lift one arm higher while looking at their hand.
Photography by Beeh Moynagh.
A group of adult dancers and their teacher embrace in a group hug.
Photography by Beeh Moynagh.
A teacher and young dancers of varying abilities tip-toe.
Photography by Beeh Moynagh.
A single young dancer using a mobility aid approaches a line of cones to go around.
Photography by Beeh Moynagh.
A single young dancer runs to jump over yoga blocks while dancers and teachers watch.
Photography by Beeh Moynagh.
Young dancers jump in the air with their teachers.
Photography by Beeh Moynagh.
A smiling young dancer in a wheelchair holding a scarf is pushed by a teacher. Another student with a scarf runs next to them.
Photography by Beeh Moynagh.
A person stands with dancers in blue and brown costumes.
Sensory-Friendly performance of The Nutcracker. Photography by Beeh Moynagh.
A theater filled with audience members at a sensory friendly performance.
Sensory-Friendly performance of The Nutcracker. Photography by Beeh Moynagh.
A picture of a dancer on a visual schedule.
Photography by Beeh Moynagh.

PARTNERS

Make an Impact Today

To learn more about how to support Kansas City Ballet School’s Adaptive Dance Program, please contact Chief Philanthropy Officer Kristin Castle at 816.216.5585 or kcastle@kcballet.org. 

Prepare for your first day!

Read our Social Story on attending ballet class at Kansas City Ballet School. Please review our updated Health and Safety Protocols before your child’s first day of class.

Adaptive Dance Social Narrative

Get Moving

If you wish to have your student join our Adaptive Dance Program, submit a registration form online.

For questions, please contact Nora Burkitt-Davis the Adaptive Dance Coordinator.

25-26 Adaptive Dance Registration Form

Programs in the Area

Not in the area? Here are some options!