The LE1 New Year’s dance, held on February 23rd at Elks Lodge, is a dance for students who have special needs. The Barlow Life Skills program, and Barlow Leadership, who hosted this event, themed it the “Happiest Dance On Earth,” with fun Disney elements. This dance is all about them, and an opportunity for them to be themselves. Students from all around the area are invited to attend. The dance is all about bringing these different communities of students with health conditions or impairments together and giving them a fun, entertaining night with the spotlight on them.
When asked about her experience at the event, Senior Margaret Moffat said, “I got to see how the students all had so much fun together and were free to be themselves, whether it was when dancing or talking with others. I got to do face paint and that was a really special time to talk and interact with all types of students.”
According to a study by The University of Northern Colorado, dance can help disabled bodied individuals to learn about personal space, and increase interaction with their peers. Opportunities like the LE1 dance are the perfect place for these students with special needs to grow and develop.
When asked about why this dance is important, Moffat said, “The dance is all about bringing these communities of disabled classes together from different schools and to create a safe environment for them to experience high school, as well as to help volunteers learn how to love people who are different than ourselves.”
These opportunities aren’t only good for the kids, but also for the volunteers. Working with people different from our own can sometimes be challenging, so learning how to talk and work with others is an important life skill that will be used in so many different aspects of your life. Learning patience and how to be helpful and honest are key ways in getting along and working with others.
“I love my brother and his class, and I got an invite from his class to help! It brings me so much joy to see people who perceive the world in a different way have events that are designed for them to thrive. It was a really awesome experience,” said Moffat when asked why she volunteered. Events like these don’t just happen all the time. Giving these students the opportunity to attend an event that’s all about them is such a special experience and something they will cherish and remember for a long time to come.
