We now have a new location at Brandy's Mystical Inspiration Dance Studio!
Who We Are
We are a Special needs dance class for students ages 5 - 21. Class is structured by 25 minutes of tumbling with a 5 minute snack and water break, and then 30 minutes of dance. Dance is focused in jazz. Boys and Girls are both accepted.
Classes are carefully & specifically designed for children with Special Needs. This includes behavioral, social, mental, physical and developmental challenges. We previously have had students with SPD, OCD, ADHD, CP, hearing and visual impairments, and chromosome disorder. We will do our best to meet any accommodations the student may have in order to help them participate to the best of their abilities.
We have a peer coaching approach utilizing dancers from local studios. They will be dancing & performing with the students. These peers help encourage and guide students through movements. All classes are held at Brandy's Mystical Inspiration Dance Studio, located in East Peoria. Students will perform a tumbling/dance routine at Brandy's Mystical Inspiration Dance Studio annual spring recital.
Requirements & Rules
*Classes are $15 a month (for each type of class). Tuition includes 2, 30 minute classes a month.
*Class Fee is non-refundable, including student illness or class cancellations, however we will do everything in our power to have a make-up class.
*There is not a separate waiting area, we will have parents in class on a trial basis. If it becomes too distracting to the students, we will ask that parents wait outside the studio.
*Students must be able to follow simple instructions
* Students must be able to move independently (arm/leg braces acceptable)
*Parents MUST stay within a 5 minute drive and MUST be able to be reached during class times
*If the person who is taking home the student is NOT the same person as who brought the student, you MUST provide a contact number for that person.
*Snacks & drinks are not allowed on the dance floor.
Classes are carefully & specifically designed for children with Special Needs. This includes behavioral, social, mental, physical and developmental challenges. We previously have had students with SPD, OCD, ADHD, CP, hearing and visual impairments, and chromosome disorder. We will do our best to meet any accommodations the student may have in order to help them participate to the best of their abilities.
We have a peer coaching approach utilizing dancers from local studios. They will be dancing & performing with the students. These peers help encourage and guide students through movements. All classes are held at Brandy's Mystical Inspiration Dance Studio, located in East Peoria. Students will perform a tumbling/dance routine at Brandy's Mystical Inspiration Dance Studio annual spring recital.
Requirements & Rules
*Classes are $15 a month (for each type of class). Tuition includes 2, 30 minute classes a month.
*Class Fee is non-refundable, including student illness or class cancellations, however we will do everything in our power to have a make-up class.
*There is not a separate waiting area, we will have parents in class on a trial basis. If it becomes too distracting to the students, we will ask that parents wait outside the studio.
*Students must be able to follow simple instructions
* Students must be able to move independently (arm/leg braces acceptable)
*Parents MUST stay within a 5 minute drive and MUST be able to be reached during class times
*If the person who is taking home the student is NOT the same person as who brought the student, you MUST provide a contact number for that person.
*Snacks & drinks are not allowed on the dance floor.
Teachers
Free to be Me co-created by Shanea Williams and Michelle Shute.
Shanea:
My name is Shanea Williams and I have been a dancer since the age of four. I had most of my training at DDP in Peoria, IL. I have been a dance mom to my daughter (who is also a peer dancer) for the last 10 years. I am a mother to one girl and 2 boys. I also have had class room experience with Special Needs children as a para-educator for the last 5 years. My middle son who is 8, has Special Needs, and has been diagnosed since the age of 4. During preschool he took typical tumbling and dance classes. However, he had a hard time focusing, concentrating and following the routine of the class. After seeing a group of Special Needs students compete in one of my daughters competitions I had the idea of opening up my own classes for children like my son. With the help & guidance of Michelle; Free To Be Me was created.
MIchelle:
My name is Michelle Shute and I am currently the Director of Work Skills at EP!C in Peoria, IL. I am a QIDP, Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional. I have worked with a wide range of disabilities for around 25 years. The ages I have worked with range from 3 to senior citizens. I have worked in residential facilities, training work programs, as well as in the school setting as a Special Eduction teacher. I have had extensive training in behavioral therapy and sensory integration. I am looking forward in assisting your child to express themselves through this program.