Dance has always been about more than just getting exercise or learning choreography. It enables one to build confidence, create friendships, and bring people together in ways that extend beyond the studio. At JLDC, we strongly believe that all children deserve the opportunity to experience this regardless of ability. This belief was the catalyst that brought forward the creation of One Rhythm, a new adaptive dance program designed to offer dance classes to children with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities.
Over the course of four weeks, dancers, volunteers, families, and teachers came together to create a safe and welcoming environment where everyone felt supported, celebrated, and free to express themselves through dancing. Participants got the chance to engage in activities and practiced for a performance to share with families at the program, ultimately reminding us all the beauty of dance and its benefits for all.
Why One Rhythm at JLDC?
One Rhythm began with a conversation between rising JLDC seniors and longtime teaching assistants Alex Spindt and Dilan Payne. During their combined 28 years as JLDC students, they experienced firsthand how dance can shape confidence, discipline, creativity, and belonging. They also recognized that traditional dance classes are not always structured to include children with a wide range of learning and developmental needs. Together, they set out to create an adaptive dance program that would meet dancers with IDD where they are.
After presenting the idea to JLDC’s administration, Alex and Dilan began collaborating with veteran faculty member Haylee Denham, MPP, who now serves as the program’s advisor. This spring, Dilan completed a 17-hour Rhythm Works Integrative Dance certification. Rhythm Works is a specialized rhythm and dance program informed by evidence-based practices in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology. Through this training, One Rhythm instructors are trained to identify each dancer’s individual goals and thoughtfully adapt activities to support their needs.
At its heart, One Rhythm is an extension of JLDC’s mission to “preserve and foster future generations of well-trained dancers” by expanding access to dance education and the community it creates.
What Families Can Expect from One Rhythm
Though designed for dancers with IDD, One Rhythm is open to dancers of all abilities, and no previous dance experience is required. Families are encouraged to share any information about their child’s communication style, sensory preferences, interests, and support needs so instructors can prepare for a positive first class. Parents and caregivers are welcome (though not required) to remain in the room for the duration of the class.
Every One Rhythm class follows a familiar routine to help dancers feel secure in the studio. Students, teachers, and volunteers begin together in a circle with introductions and an interactive “this or that” game designed to help dancers settle into the class environment and engage with teachers and peers.
The class then moves into an upbeat follow-along warmup, during which students mirror their instructors while building rhythm and coordination. After a short stretch, dancers explore movement through imaginative activities—marching like ants, stomping like elephants, and reaching like giraffes across the room—before adding onto their hip hop routine that develops from week to week and culminates in an in-studio performance for family and friends. Students then practice beginner acro dance skills on tumbling mats (such as log rolls and bear crawls) before ending class with freeze dance.
What Makes a Dance Class Adaptive?
Adaptive dance gives dancers multiple ways to understand instruction, participate in activities, and demonstrate their learning. Guided by Rhythm Works Integrative Dance principles, One Rhythm classes are intentionally structured to support a wide range of learners.
In any one class, instructors may demonstrate movement, give verbal cues, break choreography into smaller steps, repeat activities, adjust the music’s speed and volume, and offer choices between movements. Teachers and volunteers provide individual support when helpful. Dancers can participate in the same choreography using different ranges of motion, levels of assistance, or movement variations.
These adaptations enable students to work toward shared goals while giving each dancer a way to participate that works for them.
More Than Just Dance
Research on adaptive dance programs suggests that participation can help children with disabilities develop physical skills such as balance and coordination while also creating opportunities for cognitive growth, emotional expression, and social connection.
Some of the benefits of adaptive dance include:
Developing motor skills and body awareness. Dance allows children to explore how their bodies interact with the world around them. Practicing choreography, traveling through space, balancing, and trying beginner acro activities can strengthen coordination, flexibility, endurance, body awareness, and motor planning. In a One Rhythm class, nearly every skill holds purpose; a grapevine develops coordination and sequencing, while a shoulder shrug encourages mobility and upper-body control.
Supporting sensory awareness or regulation. Dance engages several senses at once. Through music, repeated movement patterns, and interaction with props and studio space, dancers have opportunities to explore and organize sensory information. Guided by Rhythm Works principles, instructors are prepared to adapt activities to support individual sensory preferences and needs so that dancers can participate as comfortably and confidently as possible.
Building belonging.Dance has unified communities for thousands of generations. At One Rhythm, dancers learn alongside teachers, volunteers, and peers while practicing turn-taking, listening comprehension, communication, and group participation. Shared movement gives students a way to connect with others and find belonging within the JLDC family.
Encouraging emotional well-being. Music and movement provide a joyful outlet for creativity. Research suggests dance can support mood, reduce stress, and strengthen emotional resilience by providing individuals a way to connect with themselves and others. The familiar structure of One Rhythm classes provides a sense of comfort and predictability while opportunities for improvisation allow dancers to play and express themselves freely.
Summer 2026 Adaptive Dance Session
Following a wonderful inaugural 2025 summer session, One Rhythm is excited to offer a new session beginning Monday, August 17. We look forward to welcoming both returning and new dancers into the studio for another opportunity to learn, create, and celebrate the joy of movement together. This session is offered in a flexible drop-in format; families can participate in all three classes or attend whichever sessions work best for them.
Session Details:
- Dates: Mondays, August 17, 24, and 31
- Time: 3:30-4:30
- Location: 1314 Washington St., West Newton
- Cost: Free
The three-week session concludes with a short, in-studio performance for family and friends.
We can’t wait to continue growing the One Rhythm community and welcome more dancers to the JLDC family. Register for free through Studio Director.
