Special Needs Students to Perform in Helix Dance Concert for First Time

A fundraising effort by a Helix Charter High School teacher will allow special needs students to participate in an annual concert put on by the school's dance program. 

"This is the first time that students with severe disabilities are being showcased in their own dance," said special education teacher Kim Fleming.

Using the website donor DonorsChoose.org, more than $600 was raised to pay Spencer John Powell of Visionary Dance Theatre to choreograph a dance piece specifically for students with autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and other afflictions.

Donors to the project include locals but people living in North Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland and New York also gave to the project.

"It's different because you have to teach at a much slower pace and it can't be quite as intricate as lets say the advanced dance team so he will get to know each of the students to highlight their capabilities," Fleming said.

Up to 24 students will work with Powell and 12-15 peer tutors on a weekly basis leading up to the Winter Dance Concert in December, which will also include dance routines by individuals and classes that are a part of the Helix Charter High School Dance Department.