Speaking and workshops
Inclusive dance in a public-school setting: practical strategies for teaching the same standards to general and special education students in one room, with stories from Woodland High School and Karina’s Class.
Dance for Every Body: Dance for All Abilities
Disability and Pedagogy track · October 2025. Inclusive Dance I brings general and special education students together to learn the same standards and perform each semester - including Karina’s Class, which began at Steps of Faith Dance Studio and continues at Woodland High School with principal support.
One student could not tolerate clapping because of sensory needs tied to a childhood injury. Instead of removing him from class rituals, we moved from snaps to golf claps to choreography that built clapping in gradually. By semester’s end he clapped on stage and attended professional performances with his classmates.
One student’s Learning Ladder goals included fist bumps instead of hugs. I coordinated with her other teachers so dance class reinforced the same expectations she heard everywhere else, and she got one consistent message all day.
Students with prior studio training were taking over choreography projects while others felt they did not belong. Through Connected Arts Network action research, I asked how SEL practices could help every student feel valued regardless of training. Pair/Think/Create peer teaching and structured group roles gave every student a real part to play.
Concrete rungs turn expectations into steps students can master - shared with classroom teachers when goals overlap.
The slides from my NDEO 2025 session are free to view, share, and adapt for your own classes and professional learning.