Special Needs & Youth Programs

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The Orlando Chapter of USA Dance and the City of Altamonte Springs co-sponsor a program to teach ballroom dancing to the Special Needs population (intellectually disabled, such as Down Syndrome, Autism, etc.).  The program's inception was in January of 2010.  We offer a six multi-week series, for approximately 40 dancers with Special Needs partnered with volunteers from USA Dance and the dance community.  The couples learn several dance steps each week  and put them all together at the final week's "Special Ballroom Dance Showcase" .  Family, friends and supporters from the ballroom dance community will fill the seats at the Showcase to cheer them on.  The event also includes special exhibitions by volunteer amateur and professional dancers.  At the end, the dancers receive medals and certificates.

 The program enriches not only the lives of the Dancers with Special Needs , but also the lives of their partners.  Some of the new dancers are confident enough to attend the monthly ballroom dances hosted by the Orlando Chapter of USA Dance.

 If interested in volunteering for this program, contact John Davis, Orlando Chapter

President at  twelvedancer@aol.com  

The Orlando Chapter of USA Dance started a Youth/Student Grant Program in 2001, funded by monies raised at the USA Dance monthly dances, and donations in the name of deceased dancers, such as John Christmas, John Knoska, and Frank Nelson.*  In the last sixteen years, the fund has awarded more than $9,000 in (a) sponsorships of school and youth dance clubs and lessons; (b) competition cash awards; and (c) grants for dance lessons, dancewear, and event registrations.