LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Forever Dancing & Dancing Dreams Collaboration
We are so excited to announce the collaboration of Forever Dancing & Dancing Dreams. Dancing Dreams is a non-profit organization providing dance to children with disabilities. Dancing Dreams was founded by local physical therapist Joann Ferrara.
This collaboration holds a special place in Marianne’s heart. Almost 20 years ago, Marianne found herself in Joann’s physical therapy office after suffering a traumatic injury. Marianne’s injury left her with no feeling in both of her legs. Physical therapy got Marianne out of the wheelchair, into a walker and eventually walking with a cane. Joann Ferrara and her staff not only restored Marianne’s physical state but her dreams of staying a dancer. During Marianne’s recovery period, a dance studio called “Forever Dancing” became a vision and a goal for her to achieve.
As Marianne spent many hours a week in physical therapy, she came to hear about a small dance class that Joann was offering for her younger patients. Little girls who wanted to be ballerinas but couldn’t and joining a typical dance studio wasn’t an option. Having known the feeling of being kept from her love of dance and her future dance career uncertain, Marianne felt compelled to get involved. From that day forward, Marianne and Joann have had a special bond and relationship. Over the years, Forever Dancing has donated to Dancing Dreams and seen Joann grow her program bigger each year.
Today, Forever Dancing and Dancing Dreams together will build our future leaders that will continue the dream that dance is for everyone. Building and empowering leaders in a leadership program for this amazing cause.
In collaboration with Dancing Dreams, Forever Dancing will provide a foundation of skills necessary to becoming a leader in the leadership program. Skills to enhance support of other students, positive communication and learning environment. Each Dancing Dreams student will be assigned a leader. The leader will become the student's assistant in movement and dance. Leaders will be trained in how to properly support each student. Leaders will follow their student throughout their dance year, all the way up to and on recital day! All applicants must be approved by Marianne Marian with recommendations from their teachers at Forever Dancing. To be considered, Forever Dancing applicants must be kind, supportive of their peers, helpful and respectful in and outside of the dance studio. Additionally, applicants must be responsible with their attendance and time managment and committed to their duties. For future leaders ages 10-13, Forever Dancing's assistant teacher program is highly recommended for future leadership program applicants. More info on assistant teacher program here: Assistant Teacher Program
About dancing dreams
Dancing Dreams started with a Dream. The dream of a little girls to put on a tutu and glitter-and dance just like other little girls their age.
Despite their dreams, these girls were not able to dance like their friends, sisters, cousins and even their mothers. They had physical and medical challenges that prevented them from joining classes in their community.
Joann Ferrara, a pediatric physical therapist, was inspired to make the dancing dreams of children come true when one day a little girl with cerebral palsy in a tiara and tutu said simply, “I wish I could be a dancer but nobody wants me.” Dancing Dreams has grown from five girls to our current 125 girls and boys. Classes are adapted so each child can participate to the best of his or her own unique ability. Our Annual Performance, complete with elaborate sets and numerous costume changes, is a highlight for our dancers and their families. We do not charge admission to this celebration of achievement.
For more on Dancing Dreams, visit: https://www.dancingdreams.org/
Our Leaders
Volunteer “Helpers” assist dancers during classes and performances and attend workshops designed to improve leadership skills. Helpers must be between the ages of 13-18 years old and willing to make a one hour commitment each week from September through May. After successfully completing the leadership program, volunteers will receive a certificate of completion and letters of recommendation from Forever Dancing and Dancing Dreams for service hours and college applications.
Testimonials:
Want to read firsthand experience on what it is like to be a Teen Helper for Dancing Dreams? Check out Helper Maddy’s YCTeen article on her experience volunteering with us.
OUR FUTURE LEADERS
Volunteer “Helpers” assist with the demonstration of steps for dancers and support the dancers on performance events. Future Leaders must be between the ages of 10-13 and have competed Forever Dancing's assistant teach program. Apply for Forever Dancing Assistant Teacher Program.
