October 2023 Special Needs Living Magazine

Unleashing Joy and Confidence Through Dance THE ARTSPARKS JOURNEY

BY MELISSA KLATT

Have you ever wondered how a simple sway or an elegant twirl on the dance floor can lead to something much bigger than just graceful movements? Well, that’s the enchanting story of ArtSparks, a non-profit outreach organization that has been setting the stage on fire with its mission to make dance accessible to everyone while fostering creativity, community, and personal growth.

Picture this: a room filled with laughter, rhythm, and a contagious sense of belonging. That’s the atmosphere ArtSparks creates as it fulfills its heartfelt mission to bring the joy of dance to people of all ages and abilities. But this isn’t just about dance steps; it’s about discovering the power of expression, the thrill of pushing one’s limits, and the beauty of unity.

The Spark that Ignites the Dance Floor ArtSparks isn’t your ordinary dance program. It’s a movement that believes in the transformative potential of dance as an art form. Their mission is simple yet profound: to inspire students, young and old, to strive for personal excellence through focused attention, creative exploration, and a strong sense of community. By stepping onto the dance floor, they’re stepping towards becoming more confident, more joyful human beings than they were before.

With steady growth and unwavering commitment, ArtSparks now embraces over 2500 students annually. They’ve waltzed their way into every preschooler’s heart in the Akron Public Schools and swayed through the imaginations of 3rdgrade students in the Cuyahoga Falls Public Schools. But their reach doesn’t stop there – they’ve danced their way into the lives of 225 APS 1st - 5th-grade students with developmental disabilities and 225 typically developing peers. This dazzling journey extends to over 1100 children, thanks to partnerships with Summit County Libraries and community allies.

Dancing with Diversity and Unity

One of the crown jewels of ArtSparks is the “DYNAMITE DUOS Project.” Imagine the magic when children with developmental disabilities and their typically developing peers become dance partners, creating art through collaboration. This 30-week arts integration program is a testament to ArtSparks’ dedication to fostering teamwork, creativity, empathy, and discovery. The program culminates in performances that showcase each student’s unique talent and achievements. This dance revolution extends into classrooms too. ArtSparks has partnered with 24 classrooms of 1st-5th grade students in the Akron Public Schools, combining special education students with typically developing peers. This powerful collaboration isn’t just about dance steps; it’s about nurturing an appreciation for diversity and opening minds to the beauty it brings.

More than Dance: a Community of Care ArtSparks doesn’t just stop in the classroom. Their commitment to inclusion and equity shines through in all their programs, including Ready Sparks, Kindergarten, Arts for All, and the lively summer Pop-Up classes. They believe in leading by example, and educating participants and the community alike to dispel misconceptions about disabilities. But, every worthy endeavor needs support. ArtSparks thrives on community backing – financial contributions, corporate sponsorships, and the helping hands of volunteers at performances and summer classes. Through these collaborations, they create engaging and accessible arts experiences designed to educate and foster social interactions for children with disabilities.

A Testimony of Impact

The impact of ArtSparks goes beyond the dance floor, touching lives in unexpected ways. APS Intervention Specialist, Jen Jackow, shared an experience of how ArtSparks’ teachings ripple into everyday life. A field trip with 4th-grade peer partners turned into a celebration of inclusion, cooperation, and understanding. The positive peer experiences, outside of the classroom, showcased the lasting impact of ArtSparks’ efforts.

Stepping into the Future

The journey of ArtSparks is like a dance – ever-evolving, full of energy, and filled with surprises. This fall, they’re taking another stride forward by launching an after-school program at The University of Akron. With each step, ArtSparks is expanding its reach, creating more opportunities for every child to experience the transformative power of dance.

So, whether you’re a dance enthusiast, a supporter of inclusion, or simply someone who believes in the magic of the arts, ArtSparks welcomes you with open arms. Because at ArtSparks, it’s not just about dance; it’s about nurturing joy, confidence, and a sense of belonging – one step at a time.