For over 25 years throughout Northeast Indiana, Fort Wayne Dance Collective has provided quality movement programming for people with diverse abilities. These programs promote health and wellness, while empowering students to explore movement and music in ways that are stimulating and creative. Students range in age from preschool to seniors with a variety of cognitive and physical capabilities. With an ever-growing need for services, FWDC realizes the importance of movement and rhythm in these under-served populations and looks to fill these gaps and is happy to tailor any classes to meet the needs of your student or loved one.
“The instructors do a wonderful job of making sure that each child is included and make great choices on what skills to teach our clients during their time.”
–Brittany, Staff Member at Children’s Autism Center
“Dance Collective is a meaningful, effective way to engage clients in a wonderful experience. The way their eyes light up, and hearing their joyous laughs during the ribbon waving makes it all worth while.”
–Audrey, Staff Member at Easter Seals ARC
“Something different to do. Not the same thing everyday.”
– Jennifer, Easter Seals ARC student
“I remember a touching moment with the instructor last summer. She brought scarves and was encouraging the children to wave them like water. One of our little students who was diagnosed with Autism was not engaging. The instructor led some children to flow their scarves over the top of this student. She smiled and giggled and began participating.
This level of engagement with peers would normally cause her to become irritated and she would isolate. This experience was one step for this student to become more trusting, comfortable and willing to try new activities. Thank you and keep up the good work.”
–Lance, Staff Member at Turnstone
FWDC currently holds, or has held, classes at the following locations:
Bi-County Services, Inc – Bluffton, IN
Children’s Autism Center
Easterseals ARC
Easterseals RISE
GiGi’s Playhouse
Life Adult Day Academy (LADA)
Easterseals Passages – Columbia City, IN
Pathfinders Services, Inc – Huntington, IN
Turnstone Center for Children & Adults with Disabilities
YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne Community Schools:
Miami Middle School*
North Side High School*
Wayne High School*
East Allen County Schools:
New Haven Primary-High Schools*
Woodlan Elementary & High Schools*
*In partnership with FWDC’s Dance in Education outreach program