A Chance to Dance Program

North Pointe Ballet’s A Chance to Dance Program is dedicated to providing ballet performance experiences in our youth cast for diversabled dancers ages 7 to 18 with mild to moderate 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

The Nutcracker
Registration for diversabled dancers ages 7 to 18 with mild to moderate needs wishing to participate in North Pointe Ballet’s December 2026 production of The Nutcracker will open on Wednesday, August 12th at 7:00pm and close on Wednesday, August 26th at 7:00pm OR when the registration list reaches the maximum of 10 participants.

A mandatory pre-production class will take place on Sunday, August 30th.

Rehearsals will take place on Sundays between the hours of 12:00pm and 5:00pm during the months of October and November. Exact dates and times TBD.

Performances will be on Saturday, December 5th at 2:00pm at The Lorain Palace Theatre in Lorain and on Saturday, December 19th at 2:00pm at the Berea-Midpark High School Performing Arts Center. Participants are expected to perform in both performances.

Registration can be found here, available on Wednesday, August 26th at 7:00 PM.

Join our mailing list below to stay up to date on opportunities with our A Chance to Dance program as well as our Sensory-Friendly performances.
Spring Ballet 2027
Registration for diversabled dancers ages 7 to 18 with mild to moderate needs wishing to participate in North Pointe Ballet’s May 2027 production of Hercules will open in January 2027.

Join our mailing list to stay up to date on opportunities with our A Chance to Dance program as well as our Sensory-Friendly performances.

Join the Sensory-Friendly Mailing List

Join our mailing list and select the “Sensory-Friendly” interest when signing up to stay up to date on registration announcements for performance opportunities.

Sami LOVES this experience! It opened up a new passion for her that I didn’t realize existed. She’s already asking when the next performance is! Thanks so much for doing this program!

Lennea, mom to SamiACTD Community Division Dancer

Thank you for always seeing my dancers potential and a path for growth and independence! This mama’s heart is overflowing! The show was superb! The milestones reached with this performance are a true testament to the dedication of NPB staff and volunteers in helping my son achievement greatness!

Chris, mom to EvanACTD Community Division Dancer

[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

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

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