Colorado Ballet and the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome at the Children’s Hospital Launch Dare to Dance Class

First dance class tailored specifically for children with Down syndrome aims high 

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DENVER—March 15, 2010— Sponsored by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, the Dare to Dance class is based on Boston Ballet’s Adaptive Dance class and is the first collaboration between the Colorado Ballet and The Children’s Hospital.

The class will expose children with Down syndrome between the ages of 5-9 to movement and art of dance.

Colorado Ballet’s Education Programs Manager Becca Jacobson, Colorado Ballet Company Dancer Sally Turkel and Anna and John J. Sie Center world-renowned Down syndrome expert Patricia Winders will co-teach the 8-weeks class.

“We believe this class will not only increase our students physical awareness but provide self-confidence around learning and performance,” said Patricia Winders.

“The mission of Colorado Ballet’s Department of Education and Outreach is to make dance accessible to everybody and that is exactly what this class will do,” said Jacobson. “Our job is to give our students an opportunity to have fun  through dancing and hopefully create a life-long love for dance.”

Dare to Dance class participants will meet every Monday  from 4-5pm, April 5  through May 24 at The Children’s Hospital Wellness Center, located at 13123 E. 16th Ave in Aurora. The class will be preceded by a mandatory orientation class for parents and students on Monday, March 29th.

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