Creative Movement for mixed abilities
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Created by Movement Specialist Nicole Byrne

Researchers have traced a pathway from the cerebellum to parts of the brain involved in memory, attention and spatial perception. It was found that the part of the brain that processes movement is the same part of the brain that processes learning…thus creating the strong link between movement and learning (Jenson 2000).

DESCRIPTION: This course is structured to include a natural bond between fun, dance, and community. Every person, regardless of age, sex, physical or mental handicaps, can participate and learn new satisfying ways of moving and exploring. The class will investigate time, shape, energy, space, and quality of movement. Community building exercises are also included.

TIME COMMITMENT: 1 hour a week

CONTRACT HOURS: $35 per month or $10 drop-in

INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD: Demonstration/Improvisation/TV Media/Live Performance

MAJOR LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The student will:

1. Exhibit comprehension of time, shape, energy, space and quality as they relate to movement phrases.

2. Build body awareness, self-expression, self-confidence, and positive social skills.

3. Increase physical and mental capacities, flexibility, creativity, musicality, and expressiveness.

4. Organize original movement material into choreographed studies.

5. Create solo and/or group compositions (optional).

OUTLINE OF COURSE CONTENT:
A. Dance Warm-up
B. Follow-the-leader movement phrases for experimentation
C. Improvisational exercises
D. Community building exercises
E. Performance preparation (optional)

COURSE OUTLINE:
I. Compositional Explorations
A. An introduction to Dance and Movement
B. Shape, space, time, energy/effort
C. Bones, muscles, breath, rhythm
D. Group collaboration vs. individual efforts
E. Dance with vocalization

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this class currently being offered in the community? If so, is the demand for this class more than is available or would the addition of another class be in competition with other programs or is the demand higher than what is being currently provided?
This course is being offered in the community, but not for the special needs community. The classes currently being offered are in high demand and there are often waiting lists involved. I provide these educational movement classes on-site including: daycare/pre-school centers, elementary and middle schools, art academies, and community centers.

Is this class consistent with the goals and purposes of the Enrichment program at Bellingham Parks and Recreation?
Yes, the goal is community building, creativity, and expression, boosting self-confidence, coordination and flexibility.

Would this class be more appropriately offered by another agency or by private business?
No, my investigations turned up no agency providing of quality instruction at an adequate facility. But I am interested in building a community/agency/private business that can support such activities.

Does the class seem well thought out and realistic in both goals and scope?
Much planning and research has gone into building this course. The goals are attainable, and the community will be the impetus.

Quality of Instruction:
The instructor is a graduate of Florida State University with a B.F.A. in Dance. She is dedicated to community building and dance benefits. Patient and warm with an encouraging teaching style and her special knowledge of Ballroom dance, Improvisation, Alexander Technique, Counter Technique, Kinesiology, body conditioning, special education, and special needs make her perfect for this position.

What type of class do you offer?
Creative Dance for special needs/mixed abilities

Class Description: Dance Warm-up, follow-the-leader movement phrases for experimentation, improvisational exercises, community building exercises, performance preparation (optional)

Age group(s) designed for:
Children-Adults

How many hours will the class require to complete?
one hour a week

What are your goals for the participants?
The goal is to build physical, mental and emotional health. Build body awareness, self-expression, self-confidence, and positive social skills. Organize original movement material into choreographed studies. Create solo and/or group compositions. Demonstrate comprehension of time, shape, energy, space and quality as they relate to movement phrases.

What specific skills will participants learn?
Body awareness, physical expression, improvisation, and musicality. Learning the basics of dance is a life-skill that will give students an appreciation for movement, the arts, and self-expression.

What kind of facility do you need?
A clean open space, preferably not carpet. Mirrors are not necessary. I enjoy taking the experience outdoors but this requires additional faculty.

How many participants could you instruct and still maintain a quality program with an enjoyable atmosphere?
20 students is the maximum for this course. Any more people and the movement is restricted, inhibiting full expression

Describe your background and expertise level relating to this class proposal:
I am a passionate dancer and teacher hoping to share the joy of movement with others. My education in dance includes body conditioning, kinesiology, injury prevention, and special needs.

Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Daytona Beach, FL
Taught group and private lessons in Ballroom, Modern, Jazz, Dance Conditioning, Hip hop
Planned stimulating movement for mixed levels, abilities, ages, and interests
Revised and customized the warm-up/stretch policies of the entire studio

Gretchen Everhart School- Special Education Facility, Tallahassee, FL
Coordinated on-site creative movement classes for physically and mentally challenged students
Developed specific lesson plans for K-12

Boys and Girls Club Instructor- Directed creative movement activities, Tallahassee, FL