The Adaptive Movement program was established at Maine State Ballet in 2006 in collaboration with parents from the Southern Maine Down Syndrome Family Network. The goal was to create a class for children with Down syndrome where they could enjoy the world of dance in a nurturing environment.

Throughout the past four years, the class has explored different types of dance including ballet, tap, jazz and rhythmic movement. Beginner classes, ages 5-8, are structured around a typical ballet class. Each type of dance provides a wonderful opportunity to explore dance as well as work on balance, coordination, body and spatial awareness, and sensory input.

Adaptive movement gives youngsters with Down syndrome a sense of individuality while working as a team. All of the children’s hard work is recognized and showcased at the end of the year with a performance in the Maine State Ballet Theater.

For more information contact Maine State Ballet School for the Performing Arts at 207-781-7672 or school@mainestateballet.org.