Steffi Nossen School of Dance & Center for Movement Adaptive Dance Programs give children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities like Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and those with nervous system diseases such as Parkinson’s their own classes to build self-confidence, coordination and to have fun. Movement is modified so that everyone can participate and achieve success. Physical movement builds fine and gross motor skills and promotes kinesthetic intelligence and focus while encouraging social interactions. This is a great opportunity for creative expression, especially important for those who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally or understanding emotions. Please note that this is not dance therapy.
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I am the parent of Joseph DeLuca age 16 who is on the autistic spectrum. Joseph has been attending Steffi Nossen adaptive dance classes for approximately 10 years and in those years I have seen a tremendous improvement in his overall physical dexterity. While his gross motor skills were not bad, his fine motor skills were not very good. Over the years with the help of the instructors at the school, he has much more dexterity and control over his body. His upper body strength has improved and he is much more focused, which is a major issue with many children on the spectrum. The young assistants are very caring and he follows their every direction. He loves to come to dance class so much that when I come home from work he is dressed and ready to come to the class. I bring him to class even though I work two jobs and the class is scheduled between these two jobs, causing me to skip dinner to bring him. It is all worth it because when he enters the class, he does so with such enthusiasm that it gladdens me to see him like that. I hope that the school will continue to function the way is has in the past and that the funding for such a great program continues to allow children like my son to live a fuller and richer life. Thank you for everything all of you do.
– John DeLuca
