Adaptive Dance Program | Canada's National Ballet School

Discover Dance, My Caregiver and Me — Ages 3-5

Dancers in this class attend programming with a parent/guardian/caregiver

This class provides a sensory-friendly dance classes provide opportunities for children to explore creative expression through movement, song, and tactical props, such as drums, scarves and rhythm sticks. The goal of this class is to provide an opportunity for self-exploration and for the dancers to participate in a way that works best for them that day. Within the class, the dancer's grown-up is their designated classroom support.

Discover Dance — Ages 5-6

Dancers in this class are provided a 1:1 support

This class is a progression from our caregiver class and provides a sensory-friendly dance class with opportunities for children to explore creative expression through movement, song, and tactical props, such as drums, scarves and rhythm sticks. The goal of this class is to provide an introductory dance class where dancers participate in a way that works best for them that day. Within the class, all dancers will be provided with a 1:1 support volunteer as needed.

Adaptive Movement and Music — Ages 6-13

Dancers in this stream are provided a 1:1 support

The Adaptive 1:1 Movement and Music Circle offers sensory‑friendly, 45‑minute dance classes designed to support children and youth in exploring movement, music, and creative expression in a supportive, predictable environment. Each class includes a maximum of 12 students and provides dedicated 1:1 support throughout, ensuring individualized guidance and a pace that meets each dancer’s needs.

Adaptive Creative Dance — Ages 6-21+

Adaptive Creative Dance offers moderate‑paced creative dance classes designed for dancers who are ready for, or working towards two‑step instructions. Dancers participate independently with the support of visual schedules, social stories and adaptive instruction. Across all age groups, dancers explore imaginative storytelling through movement, music, and tactile props such as drums, scarves, and rhythm sticks. The program emphasizes social connection—taking turns, collaborating with peers, and following group activities—while also supporting the development of gross and fine motor skills, motor planning, and physical and emotional confidence.

This program stream provides a 5:1 ratio, and is a good fit for dancers who are ready for multi step instructions, building on skills from week to week and participating independently in programming in an adaptive classroom environment. This style specific program provides faster‑paced, discipline‑specific classes designed for dancers who are ready for choreography and performance. Dancers participate independently with the support of adaptive instruction, visual aids, and imagery cueing. Across these classes, dancers build fine and gross motor skills, and strengthen motor planning. The program focuses on supporting students in emotional and physical confidence, and making meaningful peer to peer connections. The dancers all work towards building a class presentation in term 1 and an onstage choreographic presentation in term 3.

Adaptive Ballet — Ages 10+

This technique stream is designed to inspire a passion for ballet. This class introduces the foundational
concepts and techniques, with an emphasis on musicality, creativity and expanding their ballet vocabulary.

Adaptive Musical Theatre — Ages 10+

This technique stream is designed to inspire a passion for singing and dance. This class introduces foundational concepts and techniques for both singing and theatre Jazz and places an emphasis on developing performance skills such as character development and making characters come alive on stage. Dancers work on storytelling through dance, song memorization and working with scripts.

Adaptive Performance Troupe — Ages 8+

Our Adaptive Performance Troupe is designed for dancers who love to express themselves through acting, music, and movement and are ready to share their love of performing with an audience. As part of our performance troupe, students will explore a variety of performance styles while building confidence, creativity and teamwork allowing each performer to develop their unique strengths and artistic voice. Throughout the year, dancers will learn choreographic elements such as stage presence, formations, transitions and linked steps.

Designed for: Dancers ages 5-18 with diverse physical, developmental and sensory needs and who benefit from 1:1 support. This program is designed for dancers to attend with a parent, guardian, or caregiver and aims to create an inclusive environment where dancers and their guardians can explore creative expression through art forms such as dance, music, and hands on art. Please note participants must be 5-18 years old on or before December 31, 2025.

Program Delivery Model: In our Discovery Days summer program participants have the opportunity to join us for 1, 2, 3 or 4 days of programming, with each program day providing unique offerings. The program is designed to be sensory friendly and support dancers who benefit from a slower paced class. This class will use visual aids, such as first and then boards, and visual schedules. This program will be run by our Dance Educators, Occupational Therapist, and Music Neurologist. Please note, that guardians attending with their dancer are responsible for all toileting, feeding needs. 

New participants: Before their spot is confirmed, new participants to the program must complete an intake form and placement chat with our intake team. 

*Please note, unlike in our yearlong programs we are unable to provide 1:1 support like we are able to during the year. We are also unable to provide

transportation.

Participants have the opportunity to join us for 1, 2, 3 or 4 days of programming, with each day offering different activities.

This program aims to create an inclusive environment where dancers and their guardians can explore creative expression through art forms such as dance, music, and arts and crafts.

Time: 9:00am-11:30am 

Fee: $50 per day, $90.50

Ages: 5-18 

Designed for: Dancers ages 8+ with diverse physical, sensory and developmental needs. This program is best suited for participants who participate in our supported and independent adaptive programming and are working towards sustained independence. Dancers will not be provided a designated 1:1 with them each day; instead they will be supported by a resource team with a roughly 4:1 ratio. Please note participants must be 8-18 years old on or before December 31, 2025.

The Creative Dance Camp provides opportunity for socialization with peers and developing physical and emotional confidence. Dancers will have the opportunity to collaborate and create with their peers while participating in dance classes, music sessions, arts and crafts, outdoor activities and guest artist workshops.    

New participants: Before their spot is confirmed, new participants to the program must complete an intake form and placement chat with our intake team. 

*Please note, at this time we are unable to provide before/after care, transportation, 1:1 feeding support, medication management. Family-provided support may be accommodated, if possible and this can be discussed with our intake team.

Similar to our Creative 2 programming during the year, dancers will not be provided a designated 1:1 with them each day; instead they will be supported by a resource team with a roughly 4:1 ratio.

All camp offerings have been designed to be engaging, inclusive, and accessible. Dancers will have the opportunity to collaborate and create with their peers while participating in dance classes, music sessions, arts and crafts, and outdoor activities, and exciting guest workshops.

Time: 9:00am-3:00pm 

Fee: $95 per day $181

Total $380 

Ages: 

• Primary/Junior ages 8-11

• Junior/Teen ages 12-18

Designed for: Individuals ages 18+ with diverse physical, sensory, and developmental needs who are building and working towards sustained independence and eager to learn new skills.This program is intentionally designed to support the transition from camper to leader, empowering participants to take on responsibilities in ways that feel meaningful, achievable, and aligned with their personal goals. 

What Participants Will Experience:

• Leadership skill-building through arts-based activities and supported practice

• Opportunities to assist with younger campers and contribute to program delivery

• Guided self-advocacy, communication, and teamwork development

• Individualized support that meets each leader where they are and celebrates their strengths

Upon completing the Adaptive Dance Leaders in Training Program, participants will receive a letter confirming 15 hours of volunteer service and a personalized reference letter highlighting their contributions and growth. Please note participants must be 18+ years old on or before December 31, 2025.

New participants: Before their spot is confirmed, new participants to the program must complete an intake form and placement chat with our intake team. 

*Please note, at this time we are unable to provide before/after care, transportation, 1:1 feeding support, medication management. Family-provided support may be accommodated, if possible and this can be discussed with our intake team.

This program will be run by our Dance Educators and Occupational Therapist and best suited for participants who are working on sustained independence. Through dance classes, music classes, guest workshops, arts & crafts, facilitated discussions, and peer networking, we hope to empower and support our dancers in taking on leadership roles now and into the future.

Time: 9:00am-3:00pm 

Fee: $75 per day (total $300)

Ages: 18+