“I hope this story I am about to share touches your heart as it did mine.
“I had a mom come to me with full emotion and gratitude after yesterday’s Dancing Classrooms North Texas Culminating Event.
Dancing Classrooms North Texas Culminating Event*
She started by saying, ‘my Noah* danced…with all of the ladies with such grace.’
“Little Noah was transferred to a Dancing Classrooms North Texas participating school at the beginning of the residency.
Dancing Classrooms North Texas*
“Noah’s mom spoke with heartfelt words explaining, ‘My son came home after class one day and shared, “Mom, I think I like dance, but I don’t like my classmates in my space.”’ Mom went on, ‘My son is autistic, and has a saying, “touch me not.”’ Mom explained in depth that Noah does not allow anyone, including MOM and DAD, in ‘his space.’ And then Mom bursts with excitement, ‘He was dancing with multiple lady partners with a smile…..he was in dance frame!’
“Mom also shared that Noah has come so far since having been a part of the 20 lessons of Dancing Classrooms North Texas through his school’s Physical Education class. She is hopeful to see the continued success in Noah’s life. She opened up to me saying Noah only started speaking in the third grade and his vocabulary was limited to less than 20 words. Since starting Dancing Classrooms, not only has his vocabulary expanded, but his relationships have as well.
“We must remember, the journey is not only for the children to transform, but for ourselves to be transformed along with them.
Dancing Classrooms North Texas*
“Dancing Classrooms North Texas is a social and emotional learning program taught through the medium of ballroom dance throughout North Texas’ public, private, and charter schools’ physical education and fine arts classrooms. Now approaching our 3rd year participating in North Texas Giving Day, we have raised over $13,000, which has allowed us to reach nearly 475 more students throughout the Metroplex. Building a child’s academia in school is a standard, building a child’s social, emotional, and physical development is a must. This year North Texas Giving Day is on September 17, join us 6 a.m. to midnight and your donations will be amplified by bonus funds and prizes.”
-By Tacia Torres, Dancing Classrooms North Texas Executive Director
* Photo credit: DCNT