Come Dance With Us
Our adaptive dance programming was born out of the insightful research conducted by Janel Hutchison at UW-Madison in 2022, which addressed a crucial need identified through interviews with parents, caregivers, dance instructors, and disability-focused organizations: a glaring absence of accessible dance opportunities in the Madison area for children and adults with disabilities. AFA addresses that need through a variety of ways, including classes and workshops, Friday Night Dance Parties, Dance Along with Sarah YouTube series, and more!
Adaptive Ballet for Youth
This ballet class is geared specifically towards youth ages 7-18 years, who have disabilities.
Adaptive Dance for Youth
Children ages 7 to 18 may be introduced to a variety of dance styles in a class for kids who can be in class independently, but may need more guidance than a traditional studio class.
Broadway Dance
Step into the spotlight and unleash your creativity during this Musical Theatre Movement class for people 16 and older, that is designed specifically for people with disabilities.
ConfiDance 1
This fun and energetic class uses a multi-sensory approach to provide children with disabilities, ages 4 to 11 years old
ConfiDance 2
Together, we will explore various dance styles, from jazz to modern and hip hop, in a class for people ages 12 to 18.
Jazz Hands
This class is for people 16 and older and will combine a variety of upbeat music, mixed with fun dance moves, all within an inclusive and supportive environment to explore the fundamentals of jazz dance.
Friday Night Dance Party
Friday Night Dance Party, formerly known as Dandy Dancers, provides a safe and inclusive space for people 16 and older with or without disabilities to party, dance, and mingle. Each party will happen on the first Friday of every other month, starting in August. They will be held at the Madison Youth Arts Center (1055 E. Mifflin Street) from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Tickets cost $5 per person. Refreshments will be served.
Dance Along With Sarah
Our Director of Dance Education and Lead Teaching Artist, Sarah Jacobson, produced a series of dance education videos called "Dance Along with Sarah". This was to provide choreography so that people are better able to engage in socialized dancing at events. These videos provide choreography for standing and sitting dancers.
ConfiDance Joined AFA!
In September of 2024, ConfiDance, a Middleton dance studio specializing in adaptive dance classes, joined forces with AFA 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 fulfills 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 AFA's Director of Dance Education and Lead Teaching Artist. “Both organizations recognize the real need for more opportunities within the arts and recreational activities for this very often underserved population.”
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“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 was ideal because it allowed us all to capitalize on momentum that's been building with the support of the Madison Community Foundation and the Department of Public Instruction."
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