Feature article from www.sourcenewspapers.com

Class gives special needs individuals their chance to dance
By DEBRA KASZUBSKI
Source Contributing Writer

Megan Zukowski, 17, of Sterling Heights, enjoys dancing as much as any other teen. She may miss a step here or there during her Monday evening dance classes, but that doesn't matter much. Zukowski, who has Down's syndrome, is enjoying herself and getting exercise, and that's all that matters.

"There is really no other activity for her like this one," said Zukowski's mom, Marge Zukowski. "She enjoys this and it's a great workout for her. Plus, she gets to be with all of her friends." Zukowski takes part in the adult My Chance to Dance program, a dance / exercise program designed for children and adults with physical and/or developmental disabilities. Kathy Hinchman, co-owner of C.C. Plus Dance in Clinton Township, teaches classes for disabled adults and children up to age 8. The adult class is open to anyone and dancers range in age from 13 to 42. Both classes are offered Monday evenings at the Sterling Heights Senior Center and C.C. Plus Dance offers classes at other locations throughout Macomb County. The program was honored with the 2002 Michigan Governor's Amateur Athletic Event award. "This is really the only chance for people with special needs to dance," Hinchman said. "Many cannot take classes at the local dance studio because the steps are too fast for them, and for the little ones, many are still in diapers. This is their chance to get together and have a good time and get some exercise."

Hinchman said the special needs dancers improve their motor, social and listening skills in her class. The program incorporates popular music that is entertaining and memory-provoking. Songs such as "Y.M.C.A.," "The Fast Food Song" and Shel Silverstein's "The Unicorn Song" are set to simple movements. Hinchman shows her dancers easy moves that duplicate everyday activities, such as putting on a seatbelt. Another imitates the dance moves John Travolta performed in the movie "Grease." Dancers also do the Twist, line dance, and use props such as shakers and pompoms. Although the moves are simple, the dancers get a great workout. "They easily burn 200 to 300 calories here," Hinchman said. Kim Prevost, of Washington Township, takes her daughter Nicole, 27, to the class and said her daughter comes home tired. Although she's getting a hardy workout, Nicole enjoys visiting with her friends the most, her mom said. Sharice Breza, 36, of Shelby Township, is a dancer in the class who also enjoys socializing with others. When asked what she enjoys most about dancing, she said simply, "I like it because I have friends here."

The classes help promote socialization in those who might not enjoy talking or being near others, such as those with autism. In the adult class, Hinchman encourages participants to toss a ball around. The activity forces dancers to interact with one another, and also promotes hand-eye coordination and motor skills, she said.

Still, it's dances set to popular songs that are the most popular. When Hinchman put on a song from the movie "Shrek" at one evening class, the students roared with delight. Most enthusiastically bounced to the beat and almost everyone smiled from ear to ear. "That's really what this class is about - getting a workout and having a great time," Hinchman said of the class, which she started in 2001. "They don't even know they are working out, that's how much fun they are having."

For further information on My Chance to Dance, visit the C.C. Plus Dance Web site at www.ccplusdance.com
 

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