HUMANKIND

Hospital's dance class for kids offers physical therapy and fun

Neda Farshbaf
Humankind, USA Today
Dance Unlimited allows children with a variety of diagnoses to enjoy a fun class with other students.

AKRON, OH -- Walk into a Dance Unlimited class at Akron’s Children’s Hospital, and you’ll be sure to see smiling faces and excited students.

The program was created by former Cleveland Cavalier cheerleader and now physical therapist, Kellie Lightfoot. The class replaces typical physical therapy sessions for kids dealing with various diagnoses, including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autism.

Initially just one class with 13 dancers, Lightfoot now teaches three classes with 60+ students.  The kids learn a variety of dance styles including ballet, contemporary, jazz and hip hop.

The end result? Confidence, happiness, and some pretty cool dance moves.

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