Whether you like to strut your stuff with disco moves, get “all shook up” by Elvis, or you turn into a dancing queen when you hear ABBA, the fact is dance is good for the body and soul. Just ask the participants in the All Abilities Dance Program at Courtenay’s Triple Heat Dance Studio.
A Variety of Styles
The program, which started this year, is designed for people 16 years and older with developmental and physical disabilities. The goal is to provide a space where everyone is welcome to experience the joy of dance and try something new.
Participants explore various styles including ballet, modern stage, jazz and creative movement. No experience or skills are needed to join, and it’s free thanks to Triple Heat Dance. Participants who require one-on-one support must provide their own Assistant.
A Positive Impact
Many studies show the benefits of music and movement, including improved strength, flexibility, balance, motor skills and coordination. But the benefits don’t end with the physical; a person’s mental health, communication skills and sleep are also improved. And for those with disabilities, physical activity supports their daily living and therefore their independence.
Michelle Hillier, co-owner and -operator of Triple Heat Dance and All Abilities teacher, knows the value of creative movement. It’s helped shape her life for more than 40 years and provided her with a lot of experience upon which to draw.
“We have so much fun in the class,” Michelle says with a smile. “We warm up slowly, talk about music and stay hydrated. Everyone participates based on their ability. We try all sorts of different moves. And we learn from each other as participants share their own dance moves at times. It’s a very friendly environment, where judgment and fear are left behind.”
Inspiration Close to Home
When asked why Triple Heat decided to offer an All Abilities program, Michelle easily answers, “My 19-year-old brother has diverse abilities and I’ve seen how quickly people age out of the programs that are in place when they’re younger. My brother and students with developmental and physical disabilities are the inspiration for the program. We want to enable everyone to try new things and grow.”
While Michelle was inspired by people close to home and her heart, she got the idea abroad. “I saw a post online for an All Abilities class in England. I decided to gather as much information as I could, including a visit to L’Arche Comox Valley.”
Michelle met with Hervé Monier, L’Arche’s Volunteer and Outreach Program Coordinator. The pair discussed the idea and decided to hold a trial class at L’Arche’s I Belong Centre, which was a big success with participants.
Finding a Way
While a class for all abilities is a great idea, unfortunately there’s little funding for activities like this, and with many people with disabilities living on a limited income, there would be no opportunity for them to attend. So Michelle took the idea away and found a way to make it happen.
Thanks to the Triple Heat Dance’s fundraising and the donation of Michelle’s time, the first session of classes was held starting in April for six weeks. New classes will begin again in the fall for free.
“I’m looking forward to it,” says Michelle. “While dancing is good for the soul, offering the program and having the opportunity to teach it is good for my soul,” she says. “I love the students and there’s a personal benefit that comes from working in cooperation with people of all abilities.”
In fact, Michelle is so inspired by the students that she’s looking at expanding her training to provide an even greater benefit to participants.
But enough talk; strike up the music and let’s get dancing!
Visit tripleheatdance.com or call them at 250.338.1313. You can also learn more by calling L’Arche Comox Valley at 250.871.6288
Triple Heat Dance (THD) is heading into its 13th season under the ownership of Livea Gill Harding and Michelle Hillier. THD is a community-minded school dedicated to providing quality dance instruction for students as young as 1.5 years and as wise as 70+ years. With their experienced and qualified instructors, they’re proud to offer many unique programs in many disciplines.
