Step in the Dark

           The Step in the Dark dance program, our innovative curriculum for blind and visually-impaired children, began again this September at the Braille Institute of Orange County.  Through weekly classes, children ages 9-17 learn the basics of ballet, with an emphasis on confidence, posture, and building spatial awareness skills. 

Teachers and students alike had a wonderful time, and it’s fair to say that these very special children taught us as much, or more, than we taught them.  Their openness and eagerness to learn were a pleasure to work with, and their sheer joy whenever they conquered a new step was magical to watch.  Many of these kids with sight-impairments don’t get a chance to participate in everyday activities that most children their age take for granted, such as sports, art, or dance.  Even navigating the “normal” world can often be a challenge.  We helped bring them not only ballet, but confidence and self esteem. Watch the program in action...

  

After only four classes the kids were already doing real ballet moves.   Find out more at www.johncartballet.org and support us in our heartfelt mission to bring ballet into the lives of children with disabilities. Such opportunities are rare for children with sight impairments, and your donations make this and future programs for the deaf and wheel-chair bound a reality.  Without you, we could not provide these valuable and life-changing services for some of the most under served members of our communities.