How A Down Syndrome Dance Program Went International

The Week in Neurodiversity

The Neurodiversity News Show, hosted by the Different Brains Inc. interns. Today’s host: Mike N.

(VIDEO – 1 minute) This week, we’ll be covering Down For Dance: a dance program for people with Down syndrome that has gone worldwide during the pandemic.

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TRANSCRIPTION:

What’s up, viewers! I’m your host Mike Nickas, and you’re watching the Week in Neurodiversity!

This week, we’ll be covering a story out of Southern California, about an expanding dance program for those with Down syndrome.

 Down for Dance is a program dedicated to empowering individuals with Down syndrome through the art of dance.

“Our mission is to empower individuals with Down syndrome to build a stronger sense of self through dance,” said co-founder Annie Griffith to KABC.

The non-profit out of Long Beach, California, was founded in the summer of 2017. And despite the pandemic, the program has found a way to fulfill their dreams of expanding nationwide through virtual classes. They now teach close to 90 dancers across 16 states.

“Dancing keeps my heart safe,” Jessica LaSpada, a Down for Dance dancer and assistant from Long Beach, said to KABC.

What are your thoughts about the program? Be sure to let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe! Thanks for watching, and remember–you keep advocating, and we’ll keep bringing the news!