A Chance to Dance

North Pointe Ballet’s A Chance to Dance Program is an initiative dedicated to providing ballet performance experiences for individuals with extra-sensory and other special needs. This program is an integral piece of North Pointe Ballet’s ongoing mission to make classical ballet accessible to everyone.

NPB is committeed to providing program participants with meaningful dance experiences that allow them to work alongside dancers in the professional company as well as their typical peers. Dancers who are a part of the A Chance to Dance Program are cast in specific roles important to the story of the ballet, attend rehearsals in the studio as well as in the theater, wear professional costumes, spend time backstage with their fellow dancers, and have curtain call like any cast member all while having the necessary accommodations to support their needs in a safe and welcoming environment.

North Pointe Ballet hopes that the A Chance to Dance Program, paired with its sensory-friendly performances, will spread awareness within the theater-going community and help to send the message that the theater is a welcoming place for anyone who wants to experience the thrill of live performance.

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Performance Opportunities for Dancers of Diversability

Cinderella
September 2021. Date, time and location of performance to be announced. Registration and rehearsal dates and times to be announced.
The Nutcracker
December 2021. Magnificat Center for the Performing Arts in Rocky River, date and time to be announced. Lorain Palace Theater in Lorain, date and time to be announced. Registration and rehearsal dates and times to be announced.

Join our mailing list and select the A Chance to Dance/Sensory Friendly Initiative when signing up to stay up to date on registration announcements for performance opportunities.

How to Participate

Register Here

Registration for NPB’s Cinderella opens on Monday, July 19, 2021.

Save the date and check back here!

[My daughter] loved being a part of the amazing performance! [She] has developed a whole new outlook on children with special needs. It has been a wonderful experience for her.

ParentPeer Model, Beyond Words Music & Dance Center

[The] peer models were so kind, patient, caring, and understanding. I was so impressed and felt so comfortable [as a parent]. Thank you for putting a smile on my child’s face! Deja really loved it!

Jeanette, mom to DejaACTD Partner Dancer, Murray Ridge School

The peer model was very sweet to Meg! The entire cast was fantastic to our kids. Just thank you for the opportunity to do this! It’s a dream come true from all of us. The sensory performances allow all families to feel comfortable bringing their kids/adults with disabilities and that is priceless!

Sarah, mom to MeghanACTD Partner Dancer, Beyond Words: Music & Dance Center

Everyone deserves a chance to perform and participate in the arts if they wish… The arts can be so helpful and therapeutic to everybody. It’s been really cool to see the effect that ballet has had on both the audience members and guest performers during the sensory-friendly shows.

Youth Cast DancerPeer Model

Just a lovely experience. Maggie really thrives with NPB. Everyone is so accommodating but has high expectations at the same time. A perfect blend! Thank you!

Missy, mom to MaggieACTD Community Division Dancer

We REALLY love you guys. I can’t say enough good things about the work you do, and all the amazing people on your team. You carry out the mission of NPB so beautifully. The seeds you plant in each one of your dancers’ lives will have ripple effects far beyond what you can imagine!! It is a joy to watch my daughter have the opportunity to do what she loves so much, but it’s also building bridges for those in the disability community. Thank you!!

Sarah, mom to MeghanACTD Community Division Dancer

Evan was excited, thrilled beyond belief and thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the program! Thank you all for what you do!

Chris, mom to EvanACTD Community Division Dancer

Something I learned about being a peer role model is that it’s not just me doing the work and it’s not just my peer doing all of the work. When we can understand each other and understand expectations it’s easier to work together.

LengituPeer Model

A Chance to Dance

Performance Opportunities for Dancers of Diversability

How to Participate

Register Here

A Chance to Dance Partners