Classes give children with Down syndrome 'Chance to Dance'

The classes at the Dance Center of Oklahoma City Ballet are for children with Down syndrome and run through May 23.

 
By Matt Patterson | Published: January 15, 2013    Comment on this article Leave a comment

Sometimes the best medicine is getting out and doing something productive, fun and stimulating.

With that in mind, the Dance Center of Oklahoma City Ballet has created a Chance to Dance for children ages 5 to 10 who have Down syndrome. The classes run through May 23.

photo - Dance instructor Katie Veenhuizen (not shown)  works with Oscar Riano, Jr., 4, during a weekly ballet class for young children  with Down syndrome held at the Oklahoma City Ballet, 7421 N. Classen Blvd. on  Jan. 12, 2013. Helping Oscar is his mother, Magaly Riano, at right.     Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman
Dance instructor Katie Veenhuizen (not shown) works with Oscar Riano, Jr., 4, during a weekly ballet class for young children with Down syndrome held at the Oklahoma City Ballet, 7421 N. Classen Blvd. on Jan. 12, 2013. Helping Oscar is his mother, Magaly Riano, at right. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman

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Chance to Dance

Chance to Dance classes will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Saturdays through May 23 at Dance Center of Oklahoma City Ballet, 7421 N Classen Blvd. Classes are limited to 12 students. Tuition is $60 per month. For more information, call 843-9898.

The goal of the classes is to improve coordination.

“It's intellectually stimulating, artistically challenging and it's very good for spatial awareness,” Dance Center of Oklahoma City Ballet Director Jane Vorburger said. “They'll learn about being a part of a class and following procedures. All of these things are beneficial.”

Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma Director Megan Meyers-Winkler said the social aspect is one of the most important benefits.

Students get a chance to be around others who are like them. It's also helpful to their parents.

“The social element is one thing we stress in virtually everything we do,” Meyers-Winkler said. “We want them to build friendships with people that have the same disability. Some of these friendships will last a lifetime. And these activities also help parents meet each other and network.”

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