Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ School of Dance and Music for Children with Disabilities is welcoming children ages four through 13 for the 10-week spring class schedule, which runs from Feb. 26-May 12. The enrollment deadline is Feb. 16. These classes are designed for all children, including those with physical and cognitive disabilities such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, hearing and visual impairments and other complex needs, as well as siblings and children without disabilities. The classes help the children to explore their full physical, creative, and social potential through dance, creative movement, music, and sensory tools. They have fun while exercising and improving balance, coordination, and confidence through personal and social growth. There are daytime and evening classes grouped by age. Class size is limited to 10 children. The 10-week series of classes is $200; financial needs-based scholarships are available.
Each class has a teaching team that includes experienced dance teachers, professional musicians, and licensed physical or occupational therapists. The environment is relaxed, so children are encouraged to wear clothes that are comfortable for moving about. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, though this time is for them to relax, meet other parents and caregivers, and build peer-to-peer support groups and friendships.
For more information about classes, contact Susan Marie Hill in the Center’s Community Engagement Department at smkendall@scfta.org or 714-556-2122, 4337, or visit www.SCFTA.org/Classes. If you or someone you know is interested in these classes, but the child is not 4-13 years old or the class schedule does not work, please let us know as the classes offered will continue to expand with interest.