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Dancers participate in NBS’ Adaptive Dance Program

Adaptive Dance Program

Come Dance with Us!


The NBS Kids – Adaptive Dance Program offers adapted creative movement classes for children ages 4+ with diverse cognitive, physical and developmental needs.


Created by Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS), in consultation with Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, these 45-minute sensory-friendly dance classes provide opportunities for children to explore creativity and expression through the use of movement and music. 

 

This program runs on Sunday mornings at Canada's National Ballet School campus in Toronto.

 

Please note that registration for the spring term is now closed. Stay tuned for updates on fall registration in July 2023. 


 
Term One: September 12 – December 11, 2022 

  • Term 1 Classes Begin: Sunday, September 18

  • Thanksgiving Closure: Friday, October 7 – Monday, October 10 (inclusive)

  • Winter Closure: Monday, December 12– Tuesday, January 3

 

Term Two: January 8 – March 31, 2023

  • Term 2 Classes Begin: Sunday, January 8

  • Family Day Weekend: Friday, February 17 – Monday, February 20 (inclusive)           

  • Spring Break: Saturday, April 1 – Monday, April 10

 

Term Three: April 16 – June 18, 2022

 

Term 3 Registration will open on March 1.

  • Term 3 Classes Begin: Sunday, April 16

  • AI23 Closure: Sunday April 30

  • Victoria Day Closure: Sunday May 21

  • ADP Classes End: Sunday June 18 

 

Creative Movement 1 Pre-Primary/Primary (ages 4+)

Sundays 9:45am- 10:30am. This stream provides one-on-one support throughout the duration of class and moves at a slower pace.

This stream provides 1:1 support throughout the duration of class and moves at a slower pace with the aid of a visual schedule. These 45-minute sensory-friendly dance classes provide opportunities for children to explore creative expression through the use of movement, song, and tactical props, such as drums, scarves and rhythm sticks. The goal of this class is to provide opportunity for self-exploration and for the dancers to participate in a way that works best for them that day. 

 

These classes are led by an NBS Community Dance Specialist and supported by a live accompanist, an Occupational Therapist and a team of volunteers.

 

 

Creative Movement 1 Primary/Junior (ages 7+)

Sundays 11:00am-11:45am. This stream provides one-on-one support throughout the duration of class and moves at a slower pace.

This stream provides one-on-one support throughout the duration of class and moves at a slower pace with the aid of a visual schedule. These 45-minute sensory-friendly dance classes provide opportunities for children to explore creative expression through the use of movement, music, and tactical props, such as drums, scarves and rhythm sticks. The goal of this class is learning to follow a class structure and a visual schedule, providing opportunities for interaction and engagement with peers and using imagery and dance to support the development of large and fine motor skills.

 

These classes are led by an NBS Community Dance Specialist and supported by a live accompanist, an Occupational Therapist and a team of volunteers.

 

 

Creative Movement 2 Pre/Primary/Primary (ages 4+)

Sundays 12:15pm- 1:00pm. This stream is a moderate to fast-paced class and a good fit for children who are both ready and working towards two step instructions and participating independently in programming.

This stream is a moderate to fast-paced class and a good fit for children who are both ready and working towards two step instructions and participating independently in programming with the aid of social stories and visual schedules. The goal of this class is to provide opportunities for socialization with peers and learning to work with other  dancers, for example, taking turns and following along with the class activity. The class places a large focus on creative expression and imaginative storying telling through dance, while working on both large and fine motor skills.

 

These classes are led by an NBS Community Dance Specialist and supported by a live accompanist, an Occupational Therapist and a team of volunteers.

 

 

Creative Movement 2 Junior (ages 9+)

Sundays 1:30pm- 2:15pm. This stream is a moderate to fast-paced class and a good fit for children who are both ready and working towards two step instructions and participating independently in programming.

This stream is a faster-paced class and a good fit for children who are both ready and working towards two step instructions and participating independently in programming. The goal of this class is providing an opportunity for socialization with peers and developing physical and emotional confidence. We also place a large focus on creative expression and creative collaboration, while working on both large and fine motor skills. 

 

These classes are led by an NBS Community Dance Specialist and supported by a live accompanist, an Occupational Therapist and a team of volunteers.

 

 

Intake Form

An intake form is required for each new registrant in the Adaptive Dance Program. The intake form allows our team to meet each new dancer and their parent/guardian to discuss the class placement that best fits the needs of your dancer. If the recommended class is full, the dancer will be placed on a waitlist.

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Financial Support

At NBS, we believe that dance education should be accessible to all members of our community, and work to remove barriers that may deter potential students from participating in our programming. The Adaptive Dance financial assistance program covers all program fees for the duration of the term. Please note that funding for each child will be re-evaluated term by term, with the intention to continue to support each dancer throughout their time at NBS as needed.

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Volunteer with us

We are seeking professionals and students with a mix of skill sets such as; Special Education, Dance Education, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy.

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Thank you to the generosity of our partners for supporting this program

Special thanks to supporters of the Pilot Program

Pilot Program developed in consultation with:

Let's get
In Touch

For more information about the application process, to request assistance on registration, or to learn more about NBS’ Adaptive Dance Program, please contact the NBS Community Dance Department by phone or email.

416-964-3780