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Dance As You Are
There's a new class being offered at Ballet Arts Studio for children of all abilities. It's been a godsend for 13-year-old Emma Posey and her mother, Pamela.
"I had been looking for years — and for a class where she was with her peers, not with children much younger" Pamela said. "Emma has always loved dancing, but she was born with multiple genetic complications. Among her many challenges is a genetic mutation where she can be more easily injured."
When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, Emma always writes: "Ballerina."
Pamela found Dance As You Are, held on Tuesday nights for children ages 7 to 12, by circumstance: She happened to drive by the Beacon studio and saw a sign. Katie Bissinger, the artistic director at Ballet Arts Studio, said she had long wanted to offer the class because her younger sister was born with special needs, and a fun, creative, active class was nowhere to be found during her short life.
Emma's mother says she has come a long way from the gastrostomy tube ("g-tubes") and neurological and medical interventions of her younger years. At Rombout Middle School, she is the manager of the cheer team, carrying a clipboard with a list of the routines. She also works the spotlight for the Drama Club.
Two other mothers said they also had been searching for a class like Dance As You Are. "It's something I've always wanted for her," said Alexandra Devin about her daughter, Madeline, 10. "Improvisatory movement is a great opportunity for self-expression."
Melissa Akar said of her 11-year-old daughter: "Daya has a lot of medical, doctor and therapy appointments, all with adults. Her week is very structured, so it's great to have something where she can just be a kid."
Anna Brady Marcus, who leads the class, said she uses music she knows the dancers will like but often plays challenging songs that might intrigue them, such as those by The Talking Heads or Steve Reich.
On May 30, these students will perform a piece they're creating with Marcus at the studio's annual showcase at the Bardavon in Poughkeepsie.
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By Highlands CurrentThere's a new class being offered at Ballet Arts Studio for children of all abilities. It's been a godsend for 13-year-old Emma Posey and her mother, Pamela.
"I had been looking for years — and for a class where she was with her peers, not with children much younger" Pamela said. "Emma has always loved dancing, but she was born with multiple genetic complications. Among her many challenges is a genetic mutation where she can be more easily injured."
When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, Emma always writes: "Ballerina."
Pamela found Dance As You Are, held on Tuesday nights for children ages 7 to 12, by circumstance: She happened to drive by the Beacon studio and saw a sign. Katie Bissinger, the artistic director at Ballet Arts Studio, said she had long wanted to offer the class because her younger sister was born with special needs, and a fun, creative, active class was nowhere to be found during her short life.
Emma's mother says she has come a long way from the gastrostomy tube ("g-tubes") and neurological and medical interventions of her younger years. At Rombout Middle School, she is the manager of the cheer team, carrying a clipboard with a list of the routines. She also works the spotlight for the Drama Club.
Two other mothers said they also had been searching for a class like Dance As You Are. "It's something I've always wanted for her," said Alexandra Devin about her daughter, Madeline, 10. "Improvisatory movement is a great opportunity for self-expression."
Melissa Akar said of her 11-year-old daughter: "Daya has a lot of medical, doctor and therapy appointments, all with adults. Her week is very structured, so it's great to have something where she can just be a kid."
Anna Brady Marcus, who leads the class, said she uses music she knows the dancers will like but often plays challenging songs that might intrigue them, such as those by The Talking Heads or Steve Reich.
On May 30, these students will perform a piece they're creating with Marcus at the studio's annual showcase at the Bardavon in Poughkeepsie.