As members of the Berks Ballet Theatre were feverishly practicing for their annual performance of “The Nutcracker,” to be performed today at 2 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in West Reading, some also were volunteering for a project that seems to have captured their minds and souls.

Thirteen members of the Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance have been working with 11 special needs students from across Berks County every week since September, sharing both their dance abilities and their compassion.

Photo credit: Ben Hasty, Reading Eagle

The project is under the auspices of Darby’s Dancers, a national nonprofit organization that pairs special needs children with dance volunteers who work one-on-one with participants. It will run through June, when the children will participate in Berks Ballet Theatre’s recital.

“I just love working with these children,” said Hailey Galosi, 21, of Sinking Spring, a Berks Ballet Theatre alumna who is currently an occupational therapy student at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. “I feel like they deserve to have the same opportunities as non-special education kids. So, to be able to incorporate something I love, dance, with an opportunity to help is really important to me.”

The Darby’s Dancers model is designed to promote confidence and self-esteem among participants while fostering lasting relationships with their dance teachers.

According to Nathan Bland, owner and director of the Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory, Reading is the only city in Pennsylvania that has an affiliation with the Darby’s Dancers program.

“I’ve been wanting to bring something like this to our area, and this seemed like a good fit,” Bland said. “I hope it will be of great benefit to the community.”

Amy Doerrman of Ruscombmanor Township said the program has greatly benefited her son, Blake, 8, who participates as a student of Ahna Romanski, 17, Cumru Township, a longtime member of Berks Ballet Theatre.

“Blake loves this class, and we love Ahna,” Amy said. “We can’t say enough about her. She was able to bring Blake out of his shell, and he really enjoys spending time with her.”

Ahna shares Amy and Blake’s appreciation for the program.

“It’s been so much fun,” she said. “I really like the fact that I get to work with Blake each week. It gives you the chance to build a relationship.”

Marissa Houser, 10, of Wyomissing also is enjoying her participation in the Darby’s Dancers program.

“She talks about it all the time,” said her mother, Jill Roper. “As soon as she gets home from school on Thursday, she starts asking about dance. It’s been a blessing for her. She’s always loved to dance, and she’s so excited to be here.”

The weekly sessions begin with warm-ups and some games. On the night we visited, participants played a game of red light, green light, dashing across the studio floor on green light and coming to a quick stop on red light.

The children also practiced some dance steps requiring them to balance on one foot, resulting in several Darby’s Dancers falling to the floor amid peals of laughter from their peers.

Kathryn Deeter of Topton smiled as she watched her son, Evin, 15, participate.

“There really aren’t a lot of programs for children with disabilities that include dance,” Kathryn said. “That’s why we were so happy to find this one. It’s been wonderful for Evin.”

Elizabeth Henry, 23, of Reading, a Berks Ballet alumna who currently teaches special education in the Owen J. Roberts School District, leads the weekly class.

Having grown up with a sister who has special needs, Elizabeth recognizes the value of the Darby’s Dancers program.

“I wish that something like this would have been available for my sister when she was this age because she would have loved it,” she said. “It means a lot to me to be able to do this.”

Article written by Susan Shelly and originally published on ReadingEagle.com Here