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Our Time to Shine is an adaptive tap dance program ages 5 - 16 specifically tailored to the needs of children with Down syndrome.
This special program uses tap and dance to enhance, movement, coordination, fitness, balance, focus & listening.
Pasadena Arts Council serves as the fiscal sponsor for Our Time to Shine
For further information please contact Jane at:
310-439-0600
ourtimetoshine2010@hotmail.com
1. Provide dance opportunities for children with Down syndrome in a fun, supportive and purposeful environment, while fostering a love of dance and creative expression.
2. Increase fitness, coordination and muscle strength in participants, using music and dance as motivators, to decrease health risks.
3. Foster social opportunities and postive self-esteem in participants and their family members through weekly class engagement with peers from the Down syndrome community.
4. Promote awareness and positive attitudes in the broader community towards individuals with Down syndrome by participant's achievements and unique talents through community performances.
"DANCE IS FOR EVERYONE"
Our Time to Shine is as close to a typical dance school as possible, only teaching at a slower pace with choreographed routines and performances.
1. Classes are structured and routine, and new concepts are introduced slowly and carefully to accommodate all our dancers.
2. Classes are are planned according to the ability of different age groups.
3. Our Children love to perform so we are continually sourcing opportunities to showcase their talents and to give purpose to the weekly dance classes.
4. Classes are limited to 5 students per class.
VISION: To promote and expand this special program in the South Bay area and across the counties so that every child with Down syndrome will have the opportunity to participate for years to come.
Jane Smeriglio, Founder and Director of Our Time to Shine Tap Dance, began dancing at the young age of 3 years old, her specialty is tap and jazz. She was awarded three dance scholarships from Dance Masters of America in New York City and has studied under instructors from the cast of Sweet Charity, Cats and A Chorus Line.
When Jane read the article in People Magazine about a dance program for children with Down syndrome, she immediately thought of her nephew born with Down syndrome. Jane had a different idea, to create a dance class as close as possible to a typical dance school only teaching at a slower pace with choreographed routines and performances.
Jane is excited that she can contribute by doing what she loves and at the same time giving back to the children, so that they can be introduced to the joy and beauty of dancing.
Jane is thrilled to donate her time and knowledge to bring the world of dance into the lives of children with Down syndrome
"Dance like nobody is wathching"