Ballet class uses dance to communicate with kids with autism when words can't

Dec. 20--Lluvia Cervantes never took her eyes off of her teacher, Erin McMahon, at the Central West Ballet studio during ballet class earlier this month.

Lluvia is 9 years old and has autism, and for the first time, she has a unique opportunity to live her dream of being a ballerina. Ballet classes are not commonly available for children with autism or other developmental challenges, but Central West Ballet has a different philosophy.

"We believe ballet is an art that moves us all, and we wanted to be inclusive," said Karin Reenstierna, executive director of Central West.

Lluvia was one of the first students to sign up. She was identified as on the autism spectrum disorder when she was 4 and attending a Head Start preschool. She has a speech delay and difficulties interacting with others, common features of autism.

"She draws herself as a ballerina," said Javier Cervantes, Lluvia's father.

Cervantes said she had been asking to go to lessons for a few years after she saw a scene in the movie "Little Rascals," with the little girls dancing in "The Nutcracker."

Lluvia's special education teacher at Alice Stroud Elementary School in Empire sent home a flyer about the sensory ballet classes at Central West. Lluvia was excited to try it.

On Saturday mornings, she jumps out of bed, puts on her leotard and is ready to go well before it's time.

Autism and movement

About 1 in 59 children are on the autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention. Individuals on the spectrum commonly have problems with social interactions and verbal and non-verbal communications and challenges with processing stimulation in the senses of sight, sound, smell, touch or taste, among other developmental challenges.

In addition, about 80% of autistic kids have problems with motor coordination. The kids may have trouble with actions such as walking or fine motor skills, such as writing with a pencil.

Review of scientific literature supports that movement therapy, such as dance, yoga and exercise, is therapeutic for individuals with autism. However, few organized classes exist for children with atypical development.

Reenstierna said that because of their sensory issues, the children may not tolerate tight clothes, buttons or tags. So, they aren't required to wear ballet clothes, but they all come in full gear.

The classes started last fall for children, ages 6 to 8 and 9 to 12, but they try to accommodate everyone. When more than four students attend a class, they will be assigned a buddy dancer, a companion to work with the student one-on-one.

Dancing with another human serving as a mirror for autistic individuals, called mirroring, can increase their social skills, body awareness and overall psychological well-being, according to researchers.

"She loves to come," Laura Galvan said of her 7-year-old daughter, Anelee.

Anelee has difficulties with speech, sensory stimulation and repetitive movements including hand flapping. She has physical therapy to help with her motor skills, and she is slowly making progress.

During class, Anelee had challenges following instructions, but never stopped trying -- or smiling.

McMahon starts the class while the children are sitting with music to feel the rhythm, tapping on different shapes and colors, and progresses to skipping and hopping and then learning the ballet steps.

Training to teach children

McMahon is one of the lead ballerinas for "The Nutcracker" at the Gallo Center for the Arts and an instructor.

She attended special training to learn how to teach kids with developmental challenges. The training was rhythm-based and uses dance to help the kids build muscles needed for everyday activities, such as putting on pants and walking with a normal gait.

Rachel Macman, 7, shares Lluvia's love of ballet. She's tall, lean and muscular, the classic physique of a ballet dancer, and was adorned in a pink leotard and ballet slippers.

"It is my dream to be a ballerina," said Rachel. Lauthell Morena, her grandmother, said she does not have autism but struggles with hyperactivity and following directions.

During class, Rachel was focused and diligently followed McMahon's instructions.

"Think of all that the children's brains are doing for ballet class," said Reenstierna. She said they have to follow directions in English, learn steps in French, listen to the music and count. The experience involves their brain and whole body, and the children's learning so far has far exceeded their expectations.

None of the sensory class students participated in this year's performance of "The Nutcracker," but Reenstierna hopes the children will be ready for next year.

For more information on Central West Ballet, visit its website at http://www.centralwestballet.org/

This story was produced with financial support from The Stanislaus County Office of Education and the Stanislaus Community Foundation, along with the GroundTruth Project's Report for America initiative. The Modesto Bee maintains full editorial control of this work.

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