Making children’s dancing dreams come true in G.H.

When Joann Ferrara was working as a pediatric physical therapist at her practice in Bayside, Queens, she never expected to help children outside the examination room, let alone on a dance floor.

In 2008, one of her patients, a girl with cerebral palsy, came in wearing a tutu and a tiara, and Ferrara remarked that she looked like a ballerina. The girl said that despite her outfit, she wasn’t enrolled in any dance classes. “No one wants me,” she said.

“No schools would accept her because of her physical challenges,” Ferrara said, “so I went out into the waiting room and told her mother I was starting a dance school.” Dancing Dreams began in the back of Ferrara’s office, with five students. Now, nearly 10 years later, the school has three locations with over 100 students and 175 teen volunteers. The newest venue — the first on Long Island — is American Legion Post 336, on Glen Head Road.

The program is designed for children with disabilities and medical challenges, and gives them the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of dancing. Although suggested tuition for 36 weeks of classes is $375, no family is turned away because of an inability to pay.

Classes began in Glen Head at the beginning of this month. Although there are only six dancers so far, Ferrara said she was hopeful that the program would grow. “We’ve wanted a Long Island presence for years, so we’re very happy to keep getting more dancers to grow the classes and have a more robust program,” she said. “The legion has been incredibly accommodating and welcoming.”

Dancing Dreams, which holds weekly classes on Mondays, pairs each child with a teen volunteer who offers assistance. The sessions are taught by pediatric physical therapists, and the students learn a variety of forms of dance, including ballet, tap, modern and hip-hop.

“Our dance classes are special because the physical therapists and volunteers help the children get more involved in the movements,” Ferrara said. “[In ballet] they can plié in their own way; it doesn’t have to be exact. They do what they’re capable of.”

The classes culminate in a full-scale dance recital every spring. Last year, 1,200 people attended the free performance.

“This year’s theme is ‘The Enchanted Toyshop,’ and it’s free because it’s a celebration of achievement,” Ferrara explained. “We want [our dancers] to feel like they can do anything.”

She added that New York University’s theater department is designing this year’s sets, while Dancing Dreams staff members are in charge of costumes. “We adapt the costumes to accommodate the children,” Ferrara said, “and singlehandedly contribute to a glitter shortage every spring.”

The teen volunteer assistants are enrolled in Dancing Dreams’ Teen Leadership Program, whose workshops improve their self-esteem and leadership skills. Julia Patilis, 16, of Manhasset, said the program was a perfect fit for her. “When I saw the video online, it was very moving and heartwarming,” she said. “It’s a great outlet to share the love of dance, and inspire and motivate young dancers.”

Julia works with Francesca Sottile, an 11-year-old with Down syndrome from Port Washington. “She’s like a younger sister to me,” Julia said. “She’s so talented and energetic, and it’s an honor to work with her. We have a lot of fun.”

Francesca’s mother, Barbara Sottile, said she was happy to have Dancing Dreams’ services nearby. “This is Francesca’s third year in the program, and we used to take her to the Bayside school,” she said. “She loves music and dance, and it’s much easier having it closer to home. That way she can make more friends in the area and see them outside of class.”

Maggie Rogers, of Garden City, enrolled her 6-year-old daughter, Ella, in the program this month. Ella has Rett syndrome, and her mother saw Dancing Dreams as a chance for her to have some fun. “It’s a great opportunity for her to spend time with other kids in a supervised setting, and move her body in a new way,” Rogers said.

Arnold Sabino, an American Legion member, said, “To watch these children, who were told they couldn’t dance, and have someone like Joann come along who is proving that they can, is just a joy to behold.”

Dancing Dreams’ 2018 performance is scheduled for April 29, at the York College Performing Arts Center in Jamaica, Queens. For more information about the program, go to www.dancingdreams.org.