L
ocal resident incorporates her true passions into supporting persons with disabilities
Beyond Barriers, an all-inclusive dance/movement class for children or adults with disabilities, is the brainchild of Elmhurst resident Jen Dolson.
“I’ve always wanted to incorporate my passion for dance and love of teaching special education,” she told the Independent in an exclusive interview. “I couldn’t think of a better way to do that than to start a dance program designed for people with disabilities. It has been a dream of mine to share my love of dance with everyone, regardless of their challenges. My dream has finally become a reality.”
Dolson is an accomplished dancer. She trained with Emmy-winning choreographers Mia Michaels, Tyce Diorio and Travis Wall, and has performed with thee American Ballet Theatre. While at Western Michigan University, she was a dancer and choreographer for their dance team for three years.
“I was a competitive dancer in a variety of dance styles, including jazz, tap, ballet and hip hop.”
After college, Dolson continued as a dance instructor for ten years. She also has a great passion to help people with disabilities.
“I’ve been working with people with disabilities almost my whole life,” she said. “I was a personal service worker, choreographer and dance instructor for an inclusive musical theater program and have since earned my B.S. degree in Special Education. These combined experiences have shaped how I designed Beyond Barriers.”
Beyond Barriers will offered at Beyond Center Stage, a professional performing arts academy located at 770 N. Church Road in Elmhurst, where Dolson is also an instructor.
“Beyond Center Stage’s inspirational environment offers students of all ages the opportunity to express their love of the arts,” stated Dolson. “Becoming an instructor at Beyond Center Stage, under the direction of Kourtney Klemczak and Sara Schreiner, was such a blessing. When I brought [the Beyond Barriers] idea to them, they were very supportive and excited for me to launch Beyond Barriers through Beyond Center Stage. “Beyond Barriers is an extension of the traditional dance program offerings. There are no limitations. The class provides accommodations for students with a variety of disabilities. There is no age limit. The classes will be divided into half hour sessions grouping students of similar ages and needs in the same class. I am ISBE certified with my LBS1 endorsement; and I am the sole instructor.”
Dolson will teach and train all of her assistants how to work with individuals who have varying cognitive and/or mobility needs, to ensure the safety of each and every student.
Dolson and her Beyond Barriers staff will work on multiple styles of dance, including jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop.
“People can expect to come to class and leave feeling relaxed and happy,” she said. “Beyond Barriers is meant to allow those who face challenges every day to focus their energy into something positive and fun.
“Students will work on basic movement techniques, jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary and more. Classes will be tailored to the students’ interests. The program will kick off July 12, and the classes will be offered every Wednesday from 12 -12:45 p.m. There is no enrollment limit.”
Interested participants can receive more information or register for Beyond Barriers through its website, www.beyondcenterstage.com/beyond-barriers, by calling Dolson at Beyond Center Stage at (630) 833-0085, or by coming into the studio. Additionally, if students would like to try a class before committing to a session, they may register for a drop-in class for $12. The cost for the full four-week session is $46.
Dolson encourages any interested participant to visit the BCS studio and to take a chance and dance!
