The I CAN! Dance class is a free dance class offered to children with disabilities. It was formed when the director of the program, Julie Mayberry, was asked by her daughter, Katie, if she could take a dance class like her big sister Ellie. Katie was born with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair for mobility. Mayberry said “Why not?”

The class includes, but is not limited to, children with Spina Bifida, Down’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and autism. The goal for the class is to not only give these children the opportunity to perform on the stage with bright lights and fancy costumes, but to show to as many spectators as possible that these children CAN dance and have the same dreams and desires as other children.

The group has performed at numerous events, including a national dance competition, the Ms. Wheelchair Arkansas pageant, local churches, Christmas parties, and dance recitals.

The class also includes “Dancing Buddies.” These are traditional dancers who provide more one on one attention for the children who need the extra assistance to learn the routine, propel a wheelchair, move arms, or just keep focused.

​

We are honored to be part of the I Can! Dance program in Jonesboro. For more information, or to register your child for the program, go to www.icanarkansas.com or just click on the I Can! Dance banner above!