I have been invited by the Down Syndrome SA (DSSA) to teach all three level groups of the Dance Down program during terms one and two. Dance Down is a collaborative program run by DSSA. The program aims to provide people with Down syndrome, and other disabilities, opportunities for physical activity and socialisation.

Joining me as assistants for the workshops are Jianna Georgiou and Paula McMillan who will gain first hand experience of being in a team that delivers workshops to a range of groups of different ages. In this leadership role they will be mentored throughout the creative process and act as role models to other dancers with a disability.

Terms 1 & 2 at DSSA incorporates the following programs:

Dance Down Teams – this program was formulated from both the successful Club Slick Demonstration Team (a performance team of dancers aged 18 years and over which began as an offset from Club Slick) and a pilot dance program, for children aged 5-10 years. It is now a weekly dance program separated by age group.

The Junior Team is for children aged 5-11 years, the Senior Team for those aged 12-17 years and the Performance Team for adult-aged dancers (18 years and over).

All three teams rehearse weekly on a Monday evening during school term times and are usually managed by Jade Erlandsen. The Performance Team dance at promotional events for Down Syndrome SA and are available to be booked for other events, raising funds for the organisation.

The Dance Down teams have the opportunity to perform at Down Syndrome SA’s annual Family Fun Day and the Beat the Drum Black Tie Gala Dinner which gives all participants a chance to showcase their routines to their families and community. I will be choreographing a new work for the Performance Team which will premiere at this fundraising event.

When: Dance Down classes start Monday 4th February 2013
Junior Team (5-11 years) – 4:30-5:15pm
Boys Class (boys 12-14 years) *NEW* – 5:15-6:15pm
Senior Team (13-17 years) – 5:30-6:30pm *new time*
Performance Team (18+) – 6:30-8:30pm

Where: Dulwich Community Centre, 14 Union St Dulwich SA 5065

To register, call or email Jade on Mobile: 0402 918 893 or email: jade@downssa.asn.au

In addition to the Dance Down workshops, I will also be co-ordinating the once-a-month Junior Club Slick program during terms 1 & 2 this year.

Junior Club Slick is a modified version of the Club Slick program held on the same day from 4-6pm, also at the Burnside Ballroom. Junior Club Slick is for children with disabilities of junior primary and primary school age. It incorporates role play which models and teaches dance etiquette. It is facilitated by Mickey Pain, Anne Squire, one of the professional choreographers from the Club Slick committee, Jade Erlandsen and approximately 10 volunteers.

When: Terms 1 & 2

3:45-6:00pm Friday 8 February, Saturdays 2 March & 6 April, and Fridays 17 May & 21 June 2013.

Where: The Burnside Ballroom, Burnside Civic Centre, corner Greenhill Rd and Portrush Rd, Tusmore SA 5065

You can visit the Down Syndrome SA website here.