Middle school is all about learning emotional management. Dancing is about community and the joy of being and moving together. I’d prioritize the joy over the movement and even the together.
Find out as much as you can in advance from parents, staff, or the kids themselves. How able are they? Have they ever done any kind of dance, music, or moving to music? Do they like or tend to avoid being the center of attention because of being different? Some people don’t like being celebrated; others do.
Things to try:
Simple dances with long figures.
Half-tempo dancing (doubling the counts per figure)
Separate group or partner for the CP kid(s), who just move ad-lib with the music, next to the set.
Sitting and clapping or using a percussion or other instrument.
Sitting and taking pictures or video of the group, or otherwise being involved.
Being included may be more important than dancing.
—jh—
I’ve been asked to call a dance at a church camp for middle schoolers at the end of July. Two of the campers have cerebral palsy - one is fairly mobile but the other is on crutches. I’m looking for dance ideas that could be used as is or modified for a dancer on crutches. About 40 people are anticipated (middle school aged campers and high school and adult staff).
Thanks,
Dianne
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