“Darby’s Dancers is a program where students with special needs, ages five to eighteen can come to out studio and take dance class for free,” said QC Dance assistant director Lissa Anderson.
QC Dance is one of about a dozen studios in the state that participate in the nationwide program. The class has been happening here for the last four years. In nearly every way, it’s taught like any other dance class – warmups, stretching, basic movement and new dance skills, but in this class, each dancer has their own coach. The coaches are other dancers who volunteer their time to help. Some of the dancers might need help staying focused, or keeping their balance as they learn new moves.
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“To watch [the coaches’] faces light up when they work with these kids is something I just love to see,” said Anderson.
Felicia Sechser has been teaching this class since the beginning.
“It filled me up as a dance teacher, and it made me realize that dance is for everyone,” said Sechser. “They have so much fun, and they teach me so much about life; it’s what makes me come back year after year.”
They start dancing each year in September, and the dancers grow in the skills, strengths, and abilities throughout the year. The dance season comes to an end each year in May, with a recital. The whole studio participates, including Darby’s Dancers. Their performance has become a favorite.
“Their dance at the end of the year is the best dance of the whole recital,” said Anderson.
Amanda Coplan’s daughter has been dancing with the group for four years. “It’s pretty awesome to see them up on that stage and shining, just like every other kid.”
