A Chance to Dance Program

North Pointe Ballet’s A Chance to Dance Program is an initiative dedicated to providing ballet performance experiences in our youth cast for individuals ages 6 to 18 with extrasensory and other needs. This program is an integral piece of North Pointe Ballet’s ongoing mission to make classical ballet accessible to everyone.

NPB is committed 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
receive 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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Upcoming Performance Opportunities for Dancers of Diversability

Nutcracker - December 2023
Registration for diversabled dancers for participation in NPB’s December 2023 production of The Nutcracker IS NOW CLOSED.

Please join us for our sensory-friendly performance featuring this group of talented dancers on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the Lorain Palace Theatre. Tickets go on sale on October 1st.
Peter Pan - May 2024
Registration for diversabled dancers for participation in North Pointe Ballet’s May 2024 production of Peter Pan will open Monday, February 12, 2024.

Registration will close at 10 registered participants or on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 – whichever happens first.

MANDATORY CLASS FOR CONFIRMED PARTICIPANTS: Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 12:00 PM at our rehearsal space in Berea. The purpose of this class is for the artistic staff to assess each participant in order to prepare choreography that is appropriately adapted for each dancer.

PERFORMANCE: Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Lorain Palace Theatre.

Further details will be available on the registration form when registration opens on February 12th. A link can be found here or you can join our mailing list below.

Join the Sensory-Friendly Mailing List

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

[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.

Participant ParentBeyond 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 Peer ModelPeer 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

Another incredible experience with ACTD! We love the interactions, sense of community and inclusion with all the dancers and the entire cast and crew. Pure pleasure, confidence and excitement from my dancer! Makes this Momma smile! So proud!

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.

Lengitu, Youth Cast Peer ModelPeer Model

A Chance to Dance Program

Upcoming Performance Opportunities for Dancers of Diversability

Partners & Funders