GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – The Grand Rapids Ballet School is expanding its Explorer dance program: special classes designed for children with disabilities.

“Everyone in a community realizes that we are more than just a ballet school and a ballet company,” said Attila Mosolygo, director of the Grand Rapids Ballet School and Junior Company. “We’re trying to do a lot of outreach in the community with all the different dance programs, like the explorer dance class.”

The program includes 45-minute lessons and runs until January 2022.

“What’s wonderful is that they’re in a big, spacious dance studio,” Mosolygo said. “They have one-on-one interaction with their teacher. They are constantly working on coordination, stretching, strengthening, eye and hand coordination, balance, all of those things that we find children with disabilities can benefit from.

The program takes place at the Meijer Royce Center for Dance in downtown Grand Rapids as well as at the DeVos Fieldhouse at Hope College in Holland. Children aged 10-19 can participate and tuition is approximately $ 25 / month.

Mosolygo says dancing can really make a difference for everyone who gets involved.

“We want to make sure people understand that ballet isn’t just a form of entertainment where you dress up on a Friday night and have a date night and go see a show, but it could really, really, be part of everyone. everyday life, ”Mosolygo said.

Classes are held Monday evening in Grand Rapids and Tuesday evening in Holland.

You will find more information about the program in line .