INCLUDE stands for Inspiring, with no Challenges or Limitations, the Universality of Dance Experiences. Our INCLUDE classes are designed for accessibility and equal participation in dance for all dance students. This class promotes an accessible environment that integrates the experiences of children with and without disabilities.
Research shows that dance has the following benefits:
- Improves lung and heart conditions
- Increases muscular strength and endurance
- Increases bone strength
- Helps manage weight
- Improves balance and spatial awareness
- Improves coordination, agility, and flexibility
- Improves mental functioning and memory
- Decreases depression and anxiety
We want more children to reap the benefits of dance!
INCLUDE was designed by a dancer with a masters degree in Special Education. The program has had great success at a dance studio in Richland, WA. Each INCLUDE class starts with a greeting and warm-up, followed by ballet exercises, a choreographic phrase, across the floor movement, an improvisation activity, and a closing. Each INCLUDE session is a 7 week series of 45 minute classes that take place once per week.
We are incredibly lucky to have Kelly Budnick, Occupational Therapist, assisting with our INCLUDE program. Here is what Kelly has to say about it:
“As a pediatric occupational therapist, I am passionate about facilitating engagement in meaningful childhood activities, such as dance. Participation in extracurriculars is an essential occupation of childhood that has been shown to promote the acquisition of life skills, executive functioning, and self-esteem. INCLUDE (Inspiring, with no Challenges or Limitations, the Universality of Dance Experiences) is a unique program within the dance community designed to promote accessibility in dance. INCLUDE enables all children to be creative and active in a welcoming environment where they are supported by mentors, including teachers and volunteers. INCLUDE’s skilled teachers and volunteers provide dance instruction and create an environment to promote inclusive participation. By providing children with accessible and responsive instruction in a safe environment, dancers are able to challenge and improve their balance, coordination, strength, and sensorimotor skills. Additionally, the benefits of INCLUDE extend beyond the child participants, as teenage mentors and teachers gain skills that empower inclusivity off the dance floor and in the larger community. As an occupational therapist and a parent, I am dedicated to INCLUDE’s mission of providing children of all abilities the opportunity to express themselves through dance.”
–Kelly Budnick, MOTR/L
Our Winter 2023 session of INCLUDE will run
February 5 – March 25 (no class on February 19) for ages 10-20 with classes every Monday from 6:10-6:55pm
February 10 – March 23 for ages 6-12 with classes every Saturday from 10:45-11:30am
Our Spring 2023 session of INCLUDE will run
April 8 – May 20 (no class May 6) for ages 10-20 with classes every Monday from 6:10-6:55pm
April 13 – May 25 for ages 6-12 with classes every Saturday from 10:45-11:30am
** The spring session culminates with the dancers performing at our Spring Showcase performances the weekend of May 25 and 26**
The classes will have a lead dance teacher. Additionally, each child that participates will be paired with a high school dance partner who will dance alongside them each class and provide assistance and encouragement. The cost per 7 week session is $110. We have financial aid available for any families who are unable to pay this amount.
of Columbia Dance’s Nutcracker at Skyview Concert Hall December 15th at 6pm
- Limited audience capacity
- House lights stay up part way (not a dark theater)
- Sound levels are lowered
- Shush free zone (audience members do not need to be quiet)
- Some doors between the house and lobby remain open (audience members are welcome to go in and out of the theater as needed)
- Pre-visit story available
- Additional guidance from front of house staff
- Clear signage
- Break area
Thank you for your interest in this program. Please feel free to reach out with any questions to Becky Moore, Columbia Dance Director at becky.moore@columbiadance.org.