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Follow on Google News | New Adaptive Class at Greenwich Ballet Academy Brings Ballet to Children with Down SyndromeTalented Greenwich Ballet Academy Student Olivia Thurman Leads Adaptive Ballet Course
By: Greenwich Ballet Academy This exceptionally talented GBA student and her passion for adaptive ballet is the energy behind GBA’s new program for children with Down syndrome. The program is modeled after one created by Boston Ballet and in which former Boston Ballet and Mariinsky ballerina, Keenan Kampa, actively participated. Kampa’ “From the first time I saw a YouTube video about Keenan Kampa’s work (http://www.fondationlejeune.org/ The GBA classes are currently held from 5 to 6 p.m. on Saturdays at GBA’s Port Chester studios. “I am as thrilled as my students when they master basic positions, and remember the French names for ballet technique,” she added. Olivia's students improve strength and balance during the sessions, but also develop their social skills and confidence. “This class has classical ballet components, but with plenty of room for free expression and improvisation," Olivia’s decade of hard work in dance and her sense of initiative have made the GBA Adaptive Program a reality, and these attributes are precisely what GBA celebrates in its dancers, said Mimi Citarella of Greenwich Ballet Academy’s Board of Directors. “This is a demanding and prestigious dance academy, and we train students for professional and highly competitive dance environments,” For Lydia Currie, the connection is also personal. “I am a dancer, but I am emotionally invested because my little brother is on the autism spectrum,” she explained. “Having programs like this is so important, and I have seen my brother grow exponentially from special needs music, gym, and creative movement classes. I am so glad that I am able to give back by teaching these ballet classes, and seeing how happy the girls are makes me feel like I am truly making a difference.” There is room for more children with Down syndrome in the adaptive dance program which is offered at no cost, Citarella said. Parents and other community members interested in more information should call GBA at (914) 305-4377. If the success of the new Adaptive Ballet program weren’t enough, Thurman and Currie are in for another big thrill on November 14th when Keenan Kampa - the professional ballet dancer (now Hollywood star - “High Strung”) whose Adaptive Ballet work inspired Thurman’s idea - visits the GBA studios. Kampa will teach three master classes as well as visit the Adaptive Ballet class. About Greenwich Ballet Academy Greenwich Ballet Academy is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) institution that nurtures talented dancers, ages 4-21, toward careers in classical ballet and contemporary dance with a unique emphasis on the Russian Vaganova method of instruction. GBA is the only school in the lower Fairfield and Westchester County area to offer this specialized type of training. The professional faculty also provides classes in modern and character dance, and contemporary ballet. GBA students have earned accolades at international ballet competitions and have joined professional ballet companies. For more information on performances and training, please visit the GBA website: www.greenwichballetacademy.org End
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