Written by Betsy’s mum Rachel…
Dancing Queen
Betsy is 5 years old, has Down’s syndrome and a passion for music and dancing. From a very early age Betsy has danced, sung and twirled her way through life.
We attended musical baby classes with her, and when she outgrew them, started looking for a dance school for her. We tried a few, which weren’t quite right for her, then discovered a hidden gem in our very own village. Michelle’s School of Dance was right on our doorstep.
I was absolutely delighted, as because Betsy attends a specialist school, I am keen to ensure she is part of our village community.
We enrolled Betsy and from the first class I knew we had found Betsy’s place. Michelle is a very experienced dance teacher, having run her own school for over 40 years and is one of those people who just ‘get’ inclusion.
I attended the classes with Betsy at first, alongside a 1:1 support teacher that Michelle had in place for Betsy from the word go. After a few weeks, Betsy was able to attend the classes independently with support from her 1:1, Alysha. Betsy was encouraged to learn at her own pace, and her physical issues were taken into consideration. Michelle made a slight change to one of the activities and removed a loud part, as she knew Betsy had hypersensitivity to noise, due to her learning disability.
It is these initial adaptations that open doors for children with learning disabilities.
After six months of dance lessons, Betsy had the opportunity to take part in the dance school show at a local theatre. Michelle contributes a huge amount to the Northumberland community, by raising money for a different charity each year, with her show. I discussed the procedure for the show and we worked out how to ensure Betsy could cope in the noisy dressing room. Headphones and an iPad are a godsend! Michelle suggested other little adaptations and Betsy was ready to go. Taking Betsy’s physical needs into account, I decided she would do the matinee, and not the evening show too, due to how tired Betsy can get.
Betsy danced in her first show, on stage, at the age of five, with her 1:1 by her side and loved every minute!
Since that first show, Betsy has gone from strength to strength. She looks forward to her dance class at the weekend and has made some fantastic friendships. Michelle entered Betsy for her first ballet exam, ensured that the exam board knew of Betsy’s learning disability, arranged for her to sit the exam in a room on her own and with her 1:1, Alysha. Betsy passed her BTDA Rose Award in Classical Ballet and received her shiny silver trophy which is proudly displayed at home. What an achievement!
Dancing, for Betsy, isn’t just about passing exams though.
Michelle’s School of Dance has given Betsy a local community, the opportunity to make friends with other little girls, who love dancing, and develop important social skills. Physically, it has helped her develop strength and muscles, with her physiotherapist commenting frequently on how well she is progressing. It has enriched Betsy’s life so much.
It is so important to share with the world how inclusion of children with learning disabilities can have a profoundly positive impact on lives. Working in partnership with parents, flexibility and a little thought opens doors for children like Betsy and allows them to dance through.
We’re so grateful to Michelle and also, Alysha, for enabling our daughter to succeed and achieve. Betsy’s found her place in her wonderful dance family.
