My name is Cassidy and I am the founder of iCANdance. Dance is my passion and profession, I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance in 2018 and my Master of Science degree in adapted physical activity in 2019 from Slippery Rock University. Combining my knowledge from both degrees, I currently have three classes available for students with special needs at Siri’s School of the Performing Arts in Harmony, PA. I believe that dance is accessible for all people because at its core, dance is adaptable. iCANdance started in 2017 as a part of Siri’s School of the Performing Arts that provides dance classes for people with special needs. As the programs continues, it is my goal to not only offer classes to the community at Siri’s School of the Performing Arts but to create a traveling program that offers training, classes, and seminars about dance for special needs, the aging population, and inclusive dance training and performance.
Let’s take a minute to simplify the core elements of dance: space, time, and energy. To the untrained eye, dance is a black and white realm. Space, is the environment that a dancer moves in. Time is the speed at which movements are made. Energy if the effort displayed and/or used to execute movements. A dancer acquires skill and knowledge of a specific genre through classes and performs these skills in a show or competition to entertain, but dance is more than that. Dance is a conversation, expressing knowledge and feeling through nonverbal communication. Dance is transferable, it helps those who take part in all aspects of life.
As iCANdance enters this period of change and growth, this blog will be here to provide updates, stories, and information about dance for special needs. The dance world continues to evolve there is a need for professionals and the community alike to share information about how dance is universal. Here’s to the start of iCANdance’s contribution to the growth of dance for special needs. Dance is a lot more than meets the eye. When you are given the chance to dance, take it and run. I can dance, you can too!