TPDC For All Abilities
Who We Are
TPDC For All Abilities is open to the neurodiverse community who want to experience the joy of music and dance while in an inclusive and adaptive space. We utilize movement-based therapy to help our dancers improve in areas of sensory regulation, body awareness, motor planning, motor coordination, endurance, strength, and more. Our mission strives to provide every individual to dance and shine through fostering creativity, increasing social engagement, and promoting self-awareness. Everyone deserves a chance to dance in a safe and accessible dance class.
This program is run by a skilled Occupational Therapist with the knowledge and expertise to have distinguished supports to best promote independence in dance classes. TPDC For All Abilities program addresses a gap within our society by providing a leisure service that is inclusive to all abilities.
About Us
Valerie Sobol OTD, OTR/L
Valerie Sobol has shared some of her fondest memories growing up in her dance studio, where she was able to connect movement, music, and creativity while also making life-long friendships. Anyone who knows Valerie knows that a dream of hers is to create inclusive dance classes where all abilities can experience what she was able to experience as a dancer at TPDC. She graduated from Quinnipiac University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, which proved her to be an adaptable individual who thrives in collaborative, client-centered, and fast- paced environments. Occupational therapy combined her love for movement and creativity with the science behind how our bodies move. Currently, she works at Universal Institute, a clinic for individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries and Developmental Disabilities. Dr. Sobol has a long history of working with individuals with intellectual, developmental, physical, and/or cognitive disabilities. For more than 5 years, she choreographed and mentored individuals of differing abilities in a community program, Shining Stars Network in Cranford, NJ. During her doctoral academic career, she has served on the social club board of Best Buddies Connecticut to develop and execute a friendship program for individuals with an IDD over the age of 22. Dr. Sobol is passionate about advocating for diversity and inclusion, which is the foundation and driving force of these inclusive dance classes.
Program Sessions
TPDC For All Abilities is open to the neurodiverse community to experience the joy of dance. We offer a judgment free space for inclusive dance classes and cultivates an accepting environment. Our classes empower individuals of all abilities to learn life skills, engage in social activities, and feel a sense of belonging within a group. Movement, music, and the right accommodations transforms our students' lives while providing a welcoming and nurturing community for all. No prior dance experience is necessary.
Some dancers shine their best with a "dance buddy" who would be their one-to-one support throughout the class. This support provides more hands-on help throughout each class, which allows them to consistently work closely together and bond over time! Each student works at his or her own pace. Classes are kept small to allow for a more intimate learning experience.
Each program level is offered in sets of 6 weeks for $115.00 session. Single session students are welcome for $20.00 per class. Please contact us in advance for special needs single visits. Attire: any clothing the student is comfortable moving in.
Located at our Springfield studio.
191 Mountain Ave. Springfield NJ. 07081
Session 1 - Dates
September 8, 15, 22 / October 6, 20, 27
sensory smalls
Sensory Smalls
Sunday's 9:00am to 9:45am
Ages 3 to 6
Sensory Smalls is held in an encouraging environment that provides children of all abilities with the opportunity to explore various kinds of movement to music to build coordination, expression, social skills, and more. This class will be adapted to individual sensory needs to ensure everyone has a space to feel comfortable in, and we hope to begin to teach, alongside movement, how dance can create a space where everyone can be uniquely themselves while having tons of fun.
boogie bunch
Boogie Bunch
Sunday's 10:00am to 10:45am
Ages 7 to 11
Boogie Bunch incorporates the basics of movement for children of all abilities with the fundamentals of dance. Students will begin to connect movement and physicality with self-expression and the introduction of beginner dance steps and concepts. Learning will be individually tailored to each student's learning needs and instruction will be step-by-step and adaptive to each student's progress.
groove group
Groove Group
Sunday's 11:00am to 12:00pm
Ages 12 to 16
The Groove Group aims to continue the develop of dance skills in a supportive and adaptive environment for any student's individual needs and skill level. We strive to build upon introductory movements and dance concepts and establish a collaborative and supportive dance group. In addition to building musicality and physicality, we aim to create an environment where students may express themselves while forming social connections through combining solo and group dance.
social rhythms
Social Rhythms
Sunday's 12:15pm to to 1:15pm
Ages 17+
In Social Rhythms, we hope to delve deep into the connection between dance, expression, social skills, and bonding. In allowing students to interact and connect with other students in their age group, we hope to not only improve social skills but also create long lasting relationships formed through collaboration and support of each individual's expression, regardless of ability. Though the class is centered around dance, no dance experience is required; our goal is to make sure all our students have a blast!
For additional information regarding sessions and programs, or if you are interested in being a part of this program as a volunteer please indicate that in the message box below.
TPDC for all Abilities Registration Agreement
Student Wavier