Ballerina Dreams is a modified, ballet class for children with special needs. The occupational and physical therapists and speech language pathologists of Hope & Believe Pediatric Therapy consult with the instructors at Joy’s School of Dance.

​Many girls ranging from age 3 to 18 who dreamed of being ballerinas and wearing tutus and tiaras just like other little girls dance weekly in this class. They have diagnoses including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental delay, autism, etc. and are each paired with able-bodied volunteers and infinite enthusiasm. The volunteers are recruited to assist the dancers in whatever capacity they require.

​Some of the girls have trouble raising their arms or standing upright by themselves. Some have difficulty with balance and therefore use walkers or wheelchairs to move around. Some of the girls wear their ballet shoes over their leg braces. All of the girls have made their dreams of becoming ballerinas come true.

​Parents watch through the viewing window in the waiting room as the teacher instructs the dancers who are beautiful in their tights, leotards, and ballet slippers.