(Chelsea Update would like to thank Bob Milbrodt for the information in this story.)
Last Monday, Chelsea Kiwanis heard from Ballet Chelsea Vice President Jane Thompson and Adaptive Dance Program and Artistic Faculty Member Macks Kreps.
Ballet Chelsea has three divisions:
- A dance school – teaching all types of dance to students from age 3 to 80’s.
- A performing company – especially known for The Nutcracker.
- An adaptive dance program – which was the focus of the visit.
About 12 years ago, residents at St. Louis Center watched a rehearsal of the performing company’s show. When the residents returned home, they performed the show themselves.
Ballet Chelsea saw an opportunity to serve, applied for a grant from 5 Healthy Towns for paying for staff and equipment, and began working with those residents. The activities with trained teachers are adjusted to the group’s skills. Both the physical and mental health of the participants have experienced improvement over the years.
Ballet Chelsea has expanded its program to 5 school districts, and 13 senior centers. 175 out of 400 attendees though, are from Chelsea. Children, young adults, and seniors truly enjoy the program, which is free to all.
