Their chance: Dance camp a blessing to families of children with special needs
By Kirsten Ballard
Published in News on July 9, 2015 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/MELISSA KEY
Volunteer Allison Barrow, 17, helps Mia Mozingo, 4, put on her ballet shoes before the start of the School of Goldsboro Ballet's Chance to Dance Camp on Wednesday. Barrow started the camp for children with special needs last year for her Girl Scout Gold Award, and the school hopes to continue the camp for years to come.
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News-Argus/MELISSA KEY
Volunteer Amelia Marriner, 16, helps Sophie Rosario, 3, put on her ballet shoes before the start of the camp.
Raelin Rogers lights up when she hears music.
The 5-year-old propels herself onto her tiptoes and turns a circle -- a pirouette.
Her teacher, Mary Franklin, reminds her to stay in her imaginary "high-heeled shoes" for proper form.
During her recital on Wednesday morning, she waved energetically to her family and teacher, Jackie Joseph.
Her greetings put her a few moves behind, but Raelin simply smiles and dances around, frantically catching up.
Ms. Joseph was especially glad to see Raelin as one of the nine dancers in the special Chance to Dance Camp held at the School of Goldsboro Ballet.
"These children can do anything, and they love it," Ms. Joseph said.
The camp was founded by Allison Barrow, 17, last year, as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. The camp caters to children with special needs.
Allison has been dancing since she was 2.
"I've always been handed the opportunity to dance," she said.
She grew up with her mother -- a teacher at Edgewood Community Development School -- watching her dance.
"I decided to put on a camp," Allison said.
She observed the classes at Edgewood and began to plan last year's inaugural Chance to Dance Camp.
It was such a success that Ms. Franklin decided to make it a staple for the summer at Goldsboro Ballet.
She says she leaves every day with a smile.
"They just make me so happy," she said.
Allison's favorite part is watching the parents during the recital.
"I just see the pride in their eyes," she said.
That same look is reflected on her mother's face when Kelly watches Allison help 4-year-old Mia Mozingo into her ballet slippers.
This year's theme was Under the Sea.
The children discussed the tempo differences of a shark and jellyfish.
They learned the difference between a sting ray's low movements and mirrored the height of a leaping dolphin.
Ms. Franklin loves seeing the growth.
"They started out scared to jump," she said. "Now they're not afraid."
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Raelin leaps and frolicks through the rehearsal Wednesday morning.
Six of the older ballerinas at the school volunteered to help with the tiny dancers. Not all of the children had special needs.
"The love of dance is universal," Allison said.
The camp ran from Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The camp focused on creative movement, ballet and rhythm.
"These children can do regular things," Ms. Franklin said.
During the recital, Mia's grandmother, Donna Mozingo, watched Mia and her older sister, Meredith, through the song Ballerina Octopus.
"It was wonderful," she said. "I'm very pleased they're doing this for the children."
The creative movement segment was used to tell a story, while the ballet focused strictly on form.
The rhythm period used sticks, tambourines and shakers. It focused on fine motor skills, while the dances focus on gross motor skills.
Each move was explained to the children simply.
Directions were themed, to include stretching out your octopus tentacles and making the low noise of a whale.
"My older children have been enjoying this as much as your children," Ms. Franklin said to the parents during the recital.
Kristin Limbaugh was especially happy to help. She is going to East Carolina University in the fall to study dance and special education.
"It's a passion," she said. "I love special needs children."
She held Derrick Swinson in her lap and they made goofy faces at the mirror as Kristin named and pointed out different body features like his eyes, nose and ears.
"Deep down inside of me, there is a need for this," she said.
Her dream would be to provide full-time dance classes for special populations.
Until then, there will be a Chance to Dance every summer at the School of Goldsboro Ballet.
"Although you think they have disabilities, they are just as capable as us, and have the heart to dance," Allison said.