☀️ Sunshine Class
A Dance Class Designed for Students of ALL Abilities!
At Amy's Academy of Dance Arts, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of dance. Our Sunshine Class is designed for students with physical and developmental disabilities, providing a welcoming, supportive environment where every dancer can learn, grow, and shine at their own pace. Whether your child communicates through words, movement, or simply a smile, our goal is to celebrate every accomplishment while building confidence, creativity, and meaningful connections.
At Amy's Academy of Dance Arts, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of dance. Our Sunshine Class is designed for students with physical and developmental disabilities, providing a welcoming, supportive environment where every dancer can learn, grow, and shine at their own pace. Whether your child communicates through words, movement, or simply a smile, our goal is to celebrate every accomplishment while building confidence, creativity, and meaningful connections.
DID YOU KNOW?
“Students with varying degrees of disabilities have the potential to become more social, better coordinated, and more confident by incorporating dance into their lives. Dance provides a child with the ability to express their emotions (verbally or non-verbally) in many creative ways. Dance can provide an outlet for a range of emotions from anger and aggression to joy and beauty. Another benefit is that dance encourages socialization (and) it can be inclusionary.”
- Jennifer Monique Dabalsa
- Jennifer Monique Dabalsa
OUR MISSION & COMMITMENT
The Sunshine Class uses creative movement and dance to:
Every Sunshine Class is built on the belief that every child can dance.
Our instructors strive to:
- Increase physical fitness and overall wellness.
- Develop motor skills and coordination.
- Improve balance, body awareness, and sensorimotor skills.
- Encourage communication and self-expression.
- Foster social interaction, confidence, and independence.
- Create a fun, positive environment where every student can succeed.
Every Sunshine Class is built on the belief that every child can dance.
Our instructors strive to:
- Create a safe, welcoming, and encouraging environment.
- Inspire creativity, confidence, and self-expression.
- Build meaningful relationships with every dancer.
- Celebrate each student's individual strengths and accomplishments.
- Provide every child with an equal opportunity to experience the joy of dance.
WHAT STUDENTS WILL EXPERIENCE
Each class is designed to encourage learning through movement while allowing every dancer to participate at their own ability level.
Students will:
Students will:
- Express themselves through creative movement and dance.
- Strengthen motor skills by following simple directions and participating in engaging activities.
- Explore rhythm and music through movement.
- Improve balance, coordination, strength, and body awareness.
- Build confidence while developing friendships in a supportive environment.
A LITTLE ABOUT THE TEACHERS
Jessica Williamson holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a concentration in Movement Therapy. In addition to teaching a variety of dance styles at Amy's Academy of Dance Arts, Jessica teaches dance and theatre at West Columbus High School, where she holds a North Carolina K–12 teaching license in both subject areas. With more than 20 years of teaching experience, Jessica has worked with students of diverse learning needs, including those with hearing impairments, speech impairments, and physical disabilities. Her background also includes volunteer work with: HorsePower Therapeutic Learning Center in High Point; Guilford County Exceptional Children Programs in Greensboro. Jessica is passionate about making dance accessible for every child and believes that every student deserves the opportunity to experience success, creativity, and the joy of movement.
Melanie Jamison has been dancing with AAODA since she was just 18 months old, growing up in the studio alongside her mom. Over the years, dance has become more than just a passion, it’s been her home. Melanie has been a competition dancer since she was 6 and an assistant since she was 8. Melanie loves sharing that passion by teaching her young dancers and her special Sunshine class, where her kindness and energy truly shine. Through dance, she found not only her love for performing but also her very best friends, who have been by her side every step of the way. Together, they’ve made memories that will last a lifetime. As she looks ahead to this next chapter, attending UNCW, majoring in Special Education.
Melanie Jamison has been dancing with AAODA since she was just 18 months old, growing up in the studio alongside her mom. Over the years, dance has become more than just a passion, it’s been her home. Melanie has been a competition dancer since she was 6 and an assistant since she was 8. Melanie loves sharing that passion by teaching her young dancers and her special Sunshine class, where her kindness and energy truly shine. Through dance, she found not only her love for performing but also her very best friends, who have been by her side every step of the way. Together, they’ve made memories that will last a lifetime. As she looks ahead to this next chapter, attending UNCW, majoring in Special Education.
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE
- Sing & Dance Along
- Gentle Stretching
- “Simon Says” - Motor Skill Connection
- Facial Expression Activities
- Communication Through Gestures
- Storytelling & Role Playing
- Coloring & Creative Art
- Creative Dance with and without Props
- Music & Rhythm Explortaion
- Sensory Movement Activitiesusic & Rhythm Exercises
- And much more!!
PROPS WE USE IN CLASS
To make learning fun and engaging, classes may include:
Balloons
Parachute
Balls
Ribbons
Scarves
Fabric
Hula Hoops
Pop-Its
Simple Percussion Instruments
Flamingo Ring Toss
And other sensory-friendly movement props
Balloons
Parachute
Balls
Ribbons
Scarves
Fabric
Hula Hoops
Pop-Its
Simple Percussion Instruments
Flamingo Ring Toss
And other sensory-friendly movement props
If you think your child may benefit from our SUNSHINE class, give us a call at 910-734-4487 (Keyna, manager)! Parents are WELCOME to stay in the room and participate with dancers!
Our program is geared to accommodate children of ALL ages and ALL abilities!
Our program is geared to accommodate children of ALL ages and ALL abilities!