Adaptive Dance

Classes For All Abilities

In our Adaptive Dance Programs everyone can dance. Open to all, movement is adapted so that people with cognitive, physical, and neurological disabilities can succeed. Classes build self-confidence, coordination and are energetic and fun. Physical movement builds fine and gross motor skills and promotes kinesthetic intelligence, focus and encourages social interactions. This is a great opportunity for creative expression, especially important for those who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally or understanding emotions. Please note that this is not dance therapy.

Spring Semester Begins January 27th

Kids (Ages 5 -7)
4:00 - 4:45pm

Youth (Ages 8 - 16)
4:45 - 5:45 pm

Adult (Ages 16+)
5:45 - 6:45 pm
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Download Information Registration Form Weekly Schedule School Calendar

For students ages 5 - 7
In class students explore imaginative movement concepts, develop muscle control/balance and fundamentals of basic dance skills. Small class size is a great opportunity for your child to move to music in a fun and safe environment while getting personal attention.

For students ages 8 - 16

This class is technique focused, and tailored to each individual's abilities- using simple patterns, sequencing, and repetition for fundamentals of ballet, O'Donnell modern, jazz, African, and improvisation. Basic academic skills (rhythms, spatial awareness, counting, shapes, etc) are reinforced while working with peers in an encouraging space.

All adults welcome! (Ages 16+)

This class is concept focused- using leadership opportunities to develop creativity and independence. Along with maintaining the basic fundamentals of ballet, O'Donnell modern, jazz, African, and improvisation, we focus on building musicality, emotion, dynamics, artistic expression, and a sense of community.

To Register Click On One of the Links Below:

Adaptive Kids

Adaptive Youth

Adaptive Adults

 

 

In our Adaptive Dance Classes our supportive, inclusive community spreads the joy of dance in all forms.

Testimonials

My daughter Margaret McAllister who is 19 with autism has been participating in the Steffi Nossen adaptive dance program since she was 5yrs old.  Since the very beginning, Margaret has benefited from  the Dance in so many ways namely  community with others, and  communication and expression   not only in the verbal  sphere  but through the movement of the body.   As a parent, I have been so amazed at her progress over the years with the help of superb and dedicated teachers and assistants.  My daughter has especially enjoyed the live music which has provided a wonderful   dimension to the class.  The weekly sessions have been fun for Margaret with lots of giggle and laughs and  challenging , demanding focus and discipline in steady increments with each lesson.   Each student has been respected for their individuality and supported with much patience and compassion.    I feel so fortunate to have Margaret enrolled in this program and proud of how she has grown because of this Steffi Nossen dance program.

–          Maureen McAllister

 

I am the parent of Joseph DeLuca age 16 who is on the autistic spectrum. Joseph has been attending Steffi Nossen adaptive dance classes for approximately 10 years and in those years I have seen a tremendous improvement in his overall physical dexterity.  While his gross motor skills were not bad, his fine motor skills were not very good.  Over the years with the help of the instructors at the school, he has much more dexterity and control over his body.  His upper body strength has improved and he is much more focused, which is a major issue with many children on the spectrum. The young assistants are very caring and he follows their every direction. He loves to come to dance class so much that when I come home from work he is dressed and ready to come to the class.  I bring him to class even though I work two jobs and the class is scheduled between these two jobs, causing me to skip dinner to bring him. It is all worth it because when he enters the class, he does so with such enthusiasm that it gladdens me to see him like that.  I hope that the school will continue to function the way is has in the past and that the funding for such a great program continues to allow children like my son to live a fuller and richer life. Thank you for everything all of you do.

–           John DeLuca

Adaptive Summer Dance

Adaptive Summer Dance is here! Come dance with us! We have a four day adult workshop or a 6-week Moving Wheels and Heels class series. Register today! Learn More

Outreach Programs

The SNDF reaches out to our Westchester neighbors to make dance education and performances available to broad and diverse populations, including those traditionally under served or with special needs. Learn More

Mission

Our supportive, inclusive environment provides a home in which students of all shapes and sizes may take risks and challenge themselves Learn More

A not-for-profit organization that promotes the awareness of dance and the opportunity to dance for all without boundaries and borders.