By Sue Wambolt, Contributing Writer
Northborough – At Diane Cournoyer Dance Center in Northborough, students learn more than technique and steps. They develop determination, grace, poise, self-respect and respect for others, commitment, teamwork, discipline, patience and confidence. In the Down with Dance class, designed specifically for students with Down syndrome, students reap the social and physical benefits of dance – and more.
Down with Dance began in September 2011 and was born out of a conversation between Michelle Cournoyer, director of Diane Cournoyer Dance Center, and former student and current teacher, Cassandra Van Beekom. At the time, Van Beekom was a nanny for a young girl with Down syndrome who was interested in taking dance classes. The exchange, in which Cournoyer and Van Beekom discussed the idea of a class which offered individualized attention and was paced for children with specific needs, spawned the creation of Down with Dance.
Because Van Beekom had experience with both dance and children with special needs, it was fitting that she led the class. Alycia Gemma, Van Beekom’s sister – who also had experience with special needs children – teamed up with her to assist in the class.
Each week Down with Dance, which teaches ballet, jazz and tap, begins with a team meeting.
“Alycia and I encourage the students to see their classmates as their ‘team’ and help them support one another,”said Van Beekom. “We start each class with ballet barre warmup and end with ‘Duck, Duck Goose’ or freeze dance. Throughout the hour we clap for one another and cheer each other on. The ultimate goal is to learn three routines to perform at the end-of-the-year recital.”
Van Beekom hopes that in addition to learning to dance, the students become friends and have fun while they learn.
According to Margarita Cheney, mother of Olivia, 8, the benefits of Down with Dance reach beyond the dance studio.
“Through the Down with Dance class, Olivia has made friendships with girls who are like her. She has learned to focus, take direction and her attention span has grown,”Cheney said. “The class has helped by providing both physical therapy and occupational therapy. In addition, I have enjoyed getting to know and networking with other mothers of special needs children.”
Van Beekom and Gemma said that they are surprised by the students’enthusiasm for the class and the ease with which they have been able to memorize new steps each week.
Down with Dance meets every Friday from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. New students are welcome.
For more information, contact Michelle Cournoyer at 508-393-9697.