Dance Alive National Ballet presents “Let’s Dance,” a new program for children with special needs

Press release from Dance Alive National Ballet

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Dance Alive National Ballet, in collaboration with the Children’s Trust of Alachua County, the City of Gainesville, and Visit Gainesville/Alachua County, is presenting a new program designed for children with physical, developmental, and other special needs.

WHEN: January 14, 21, and 28; February 4, 11, and 18; March 4 and 11

TIME: Grades K-5 – 3:30-4:15 p.m., Grades 6-12 – 4:30-5:15 p.m.

WHERE: Oakview Park (810 NW 8th Avenue)

“Let’s Dance” will be held on Tuesdays at Oakview Park on the dates listed above. There is NO CHARGE for this program. Classes for Grades K-5 will be held from 3:30 to 4:15 and Grades 6-12 from 4:30 to 5:15. Classes will be limited to fifteen children. 

Kim Tuttle, Artistic Director of DANB, said, “We are delighted to offer this program to residents of Alachua County and appreciate the assistance and support of Children’s Trust of Alachua County and the City of Gainesville in helping to bring this needed program to our community.”

For more information and release forms, contact emily@dancealive.org.

Faculty for this program include:

Claudia Senesac, PT, PhD, PCS. Her master’s degree is in health science with a focus on motor control. She graduated with a PhD in Rehabilitation Science in 2006 with her research interest focused on motor learning and motor control in the neurologically impaired populations. She has over 37 years of pediatric clinical experience. She has been the owner and administrator of a pediatric physical therapy private practice since 1984 and is a board certified clinical specialist in pediatrics. Claudia is still providing therapy to children with a variety of conditions. Her research focus has been in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). She has several publications in peer-reviewed journals related to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy as author and co-author. 

Emily Pozek Dixon, Program Director Arts4All Florida and DANB’s Outreach Programming.  Experienced Dancer with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital and healthcare industry. Skilled in Modern Dance, Dance, Classical Ballet, Dance Education, and Special Education. Strong arts and design professional with a Master’s Degree focused in Arts in Medicine from University of Florida.

Tales Ribeiro, Principal Dancer DANB. Experienced empathetic teacher. Worked with seniors in special programs in 2024. Co-directs The Next Generation, providing performances at nursing and retirement facilities.

Tenki Nomura, Principal Dancer DANB. Works with seniors in Japan during the summer, facilitating movement.