The Upper Main Line YMCA will add three Adaptive Dance programs to its catalog of offerings this fall after Claire Jones, dance director, received her certification as an adaptive dance teacher through the Boston Ballet.

“These new classes are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of children with diverse abilities, and I am so proud to be able to add these offerings to our catalog of performing arts programming,” said Jones. “Inclusivity is a cornerstone of our performing arts program and we are dedicated to creating a safe space, free of judgment, where young performers can thrive.”

Adaptive dance offerings are available for children ages 3 to 9 and registration is now open.  

Students enrolled in the program will learn the fundamentals of dance while building confidence and enjoying a creative outlet to express themselves. Classes will help dancers develop their fine motor skills, gross motor skills and mobility through the art of dance. The class will conclude with an end-of-year recital, where all dance students will have the opportunity to showcase their learnings on stage.  

“The YMCA has a longstanding commitment to providing inclusive programming for everyone in our community. While many of our classes are inclusive to all abilities, these specialized classes are geared specifically to the adaptive communities and teach a specialized curriculum. I look forward to seeing the impact that this program – and our many others – have on our community,” said Erin Lacotta, a board-certified behavior analyst at the YMCA and lead for the organization’s adaptive programs.  

The three new dance classes – Inclusive Adaptive Dance for children ages 3 to 5 years, Inclusive Adaptive Dance for children ages 6 to 9 years and Adaptive Dance for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum – will join a catalog of programming across the eight branches of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. Other programs include Open Doors, a program that offers activities and social events, Progressive Fitness, Bowling, and adaptive classes in swimming and gymnastics.  

To learn more about the upcoming 2022 – 2023 dance season, please contact Claire Jones at cjones@ymcagbw.org.

To learn more about the YMCA’s catalog of special needs and adaptive programs, please contact Erin Lacotta at emcdonnell@ymcagbw.org. More information is also available at ymcagbw.org/adaptive-programs-ymca