Alexis Basel is in her first semester of college, and as is often the case with freshmen, she’s got a jam-packed schedule. Along with academic work, she’s logging a commute to Kennesaw State from her home in Woodstock and tough, daily workouts with the university’s dance team that performs at sporting events. Despite the demands, the 18-year-old has carved out time on Sundays to conduct a special needs dance class.
The idea for the class first came to Basel last year when she was at Etowah High School. While searching for an activity for her senior project, she hit on a way to combine two of her passions: dance and working with children. The result was a 3-week summer dance camp for boys and girls with special needs.
“My mom is a special needs teacher, and she also thought it was a great idea,” said Basel, who studied dance for eight years. “We had a good turnout - 12 kids. And all the parents really liked it, too.”
Two weeks ago, Basel put together another special needs class to encourage movement and physical activity - and a lot of laughs. Only two girls signed up, but that hasn’t dampened her spirit.
“They really like it,” she said. “And the parents say they so look forward to it. That’s good enough for me.”
The 45-minute sessions at Dancentre South of Woodstock are the highlight of the week for Denise Williams’ daughter, Victoria.
“There are all kinds of events for special needs kids, but not any like this,” said Williams. “My daughter has always had a hard time socially. She wants to be included, but when she gets around people, it’s hard to interact. In this class, the teacher and student helpers are very encouraging. When she walks out, she has a smile from ear to ear.”
Kerith Stull’s 16-year-old daughter Brielle has played Miracle League baseball and bowled with the Special Olympics, but dance is a new adventure.
“It is difficult to find fun activities that give her an opportunity to socialize with her peers and learn something new,” said Stull. “In this age of competition and harsh tryouts, this dance class is a breath of fresh air.
Annie Day, who owns the dance studio with her husband Marcus Alford, said the special needs class fills a void in the area.
“There are programs like this around the country, and we always wanted to begin one,” she said. “We got awesome feedback from the camp we did. It’s a great artistic and physical activity that develops coordination, strength and balance. Alexis was one of our dancers from when she was little, so it’s great she can do this with us.”
For Basel, the feedback is worth the work she’s put into designing the class.
“That they love it is great,” she said. “That makes the difference for me.”
Every other Wednesday, H.M. Cauley brings you positive stories from our community. To suggest a story idea, e-mail hm_cauley@yahoo.com.
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