serving upstate South Carolina

Special Needs Program

International Ballet is seeking sponsors for their Special Needs Ballet Program. In 2008 International Ballet, in partnership with the Greenville County Disabilities and Special Needs Board (GCDSN), began a unique weekly ballet class for 14 Special Needs Adults. The goal of the class was to improve fitness, flexibility and body awareness while offering the opportunity to participate in a performing art. The class has grown to over 30 students.

The class began as an experiment and the results were amazing. The students are all extremely hard-working and enthusiastic. A special dance is choreographed for the class and for three years they have performed as part of the International Ballet Academy’s annual demonstration at Furman University. They also perform for family and friends at GCDSN gatherings and at public venues.

The results of the class have surpassed the original goal and have proven to help students build self respect and discipline for themselves and with others. Our special needs population has few opportunities to participate in activities which inspire them and make them feel significant. The IB Special Needs Ballet Program provides them with the environment and the tools to fill this void.  We are seeking community sponsors to help support the costs of this program. Sponsors can become part of this program with advertising in the performance programs and tickets to Special Needs Performances. As a special gift sponsors will also receive discounted tickets to professional performances by the International Ballet Company.

The response from the Special Needs community has been overwhelming with over 30 students and volunteers now joining the group. A second class now needs to be added. We also plan to expand our classes to children with special needs.

“Now that my daughter is beyond school age she doesn’t have the stimulating interaction she received in school. This is greatly needed to avoid decline. Ballet helps fill that need by building self esteem and interaction. It gives her news to share! Her cooperation and mood are positively affected. Plus she gets exercise. As a parent of a special needs toddler, which is isolating, it gives me joy and hope. The joy of seeing her happily blossom and the hope from witnessing that she is not overlooked and discarded. The community cares about her. It nurtures all involved.”

--Mother of Special Needs Adult Ballet Student

This collaboration with International Ballet is all about discipline and dedication,” says Brent Parker, executive director of the Special Needs Board. “It is wonderful to watch these adults rise to the demands. In essence, they teach us a life lesson.”                                 The Greenville News 6/3/2010

My sister, who has Down Syndrome, glows with happiness after each class and can’t wait to tell me about it.  "It fills her with confidence and joy,” she says.

-Sister of Special Needs Adult Ballet Student

Costs and Sponsorship

Donations by Greenville area arts patrons, businesses, families and individuals support this program.  

Sponsors are welcome to follow the progress of the classes and are invited to observe the class and attend their performances. Sponsors also receive recognition in the International Ballet performance playbills and a special 20% discount on four tickets to International Ballet performances.