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Adaptive Dance


Come dance with us.

A two-year pilot adaptive dance program designed for individuals of all ages with disabilities. Our adaptive dance programming is born out of the insightful research conducted by Janel Hutchison at UW-Madison in 2022. We will address a crucial need identified through interviews with parents, caregivers, dance instructors, and disability-focused organizations that underscored a glaring absence of accessible dance opportunities in the Madison area for people with disabilities.

AFA is partnering with professional dance companies, universities, dance schools, and adaptive dance organizations to create inclusive dance classes, professional development opportunities, and social engagement events for diverse age groups and abilities.

Opportunities include free professional development workshops. More information can be found under Useful Links.

Read more about the program in the Cap Times.



 

ConfiDance joins AFA!

 

ConfiDance, a Middleton dance studio specializing in adaptive dance classes, is joining forces with us to increase opportunities for young people with disabilities of all kinds to engage with dance. Part of an AFA adaptive dance initiative made possible with support from a two-year grant from Madison Community Foundation, the inclusion of ConfiDance programming will fulfill an important part of the mission of AFA to bring more dance opportunities to a wider group of young people with disabilities.

“I love that AFA‘s mission lines up with my own,” said Jacobson (pictured at left), founder of ConfiDance and now a teaching artist at AFA. “We both recognize the real need for more opportunities within the arts and recreational activities for this very often underserved population.”

“Our shared commitment to ensure that the social, emotional, and physical benefits of dance are accessible to all people will expand our reach throughout the state,” said Christina Martin-Wright, Executive Director of AFA. “The timing of this opportunity is ideal because  it allows us all to capitalize on momentum that's been building with the support of the Madison Community Foundation and the Department of Public Instruction.”

Programming for young people in dance will begin under Jacobson’s direction in September at MYArts in Madison.

 

COVID Policy

Due to the contagious nature of COVID-19 and its disproportionate impact on people with compromised immune systems and the elderly, masks are strongly encouraged during in-person programs for all who can comply. Masks will be provided. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, please do not attend in-person programming. Many of AFA's programs offer virtual options. Please contact [email protected] if you have questions or for more information about accessing virtual programming.  

Generous support for our dance programming has been provided by