Dancing Wheels Co & School

- 3030 Euclid Ave #100, Cleveland, OH 44115

Located in Cleveland, the Dancing Wheels Company & School is a truly unique and inspirational institution that has redefined the world of dance. Founded in 1980 by Mary Verdi-Fletcher, the first professional wheelchair dancer in the United States, it is recognized as the first physically integrated dance company in America. The core philosophy of this organization is simple yet profound: if dance is an expression of the human spirit, then it is best expressed by people of all abilities. The studio serves as a company and a school, providing a welcoming and inclusive space where dancers with and without disabilities can learn, create, and perform together. For many, it's not just a place to take a class; it's a home, a community where everyone belongs.

The Dancing Wheels Company & School is a global center for integrated dance and arts access, making it a valuable asset to the Cleveland community and beyond. The organization's mission is to educate, integrate, and entertain, challenging negative stereotypes and promoting a greater understanding of what is possible in the world of dance. The company's professional ensemble of "sit-down" (wheelchair) and "stand-up" dancers performs both nationally and internationally, showcasing a unique artistry that is both beautiful and powerful. Through their performances, workshops, and school programs, they reach tens of thousands of people each year, proving that dance truly is a universal language. The school component offers this same inclusive experience to local residents, creating a safe and encouraging environment for students of all ages and abilities.

The Dancing Wheels Company & School is situated at 3030 Euclid Ave #100, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA. This location places it in a central and accessible part of the city, easily reachable for residents across the Greater Cleveland area. The studio’s commitment to accessibility is evident in its facilities. It features a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their mobility, can navigate the space with ease. This is a crucial element of the company’s mission, as it removes physical barriers and makes the joy of dance available to everyone.

The convenience of the location and the thoughtful design of the facility make the experience of attending classes or events seamless. Additionally, the school provides flexible payment options, accepting both credit cards and debit cards, which simplifies the process for families and students. This combination of physical accessibility and administrative convenience demonstrates a deep commitment to making the arts available to the widest possible audience. It’s a place that is not only a home for dancers with and without disabilities but is also set up to be a practical and stress-free option for the community.

Services Offered

• Ballet Classes: Classes tailored to all abilities, including classical ballet techniques adapted for both sit-down and stand-up dancers.
• Dance Program: Comprehensive programs that unite dancers of all abilities in a shared learning environment.
• Dance Technique Classes: Sessions that focus on a wide range of techniques, including modern, contemporary, and jazz, with a special emphasis on adapting movements for individual abilities.
• Individual Courses: Opportunities to enroll in single classes to explore a specific dance style or technique.
• Regular Classes: Ongoing classes for students of various skill levels, offered throughout the year.
• Community Classes: Open-level classes that welcome individuals of all ages and abilities, creating a truly inclusive learning space.
• Educational Workshops: Programs that bring the mission of integrated dance to schools and community organizations.
• Performances: Opportunities for students and company members to showcase their skills in public performances and mainstage concerts.
• Summer Dance Workshops: Intensive workshops that provide an in-depth look at physically integrated dance.
• Teacher Training: Programs designed to educate teachers on how to lead inclusive and adaptive dance classes.

Features / Highlights

• Pioneering Integrated Dance: The first professional physically integrated dance company in America, with a rich history of breaking down barriers in the arts.
• Inclusivity at its Core: Provides a nurturing environment where dancers with and without disabilities are treated as equals, and movement is "individually tailored for each dancer’s ability."
• Expert Instructors: The teachers are praised for their skill in choreographing and interpreting movements for all dancers, creating beautiful and meaningful performances.
• A Sense of Community: Described as "a great place that everybody, including parents enjoy to be there," the school feels like a "home" to its students.
• Accessibility: The facility offers a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, making it a welcoming space for all.
• Good for Kids: The school is a safe and positive environment for children of all ages and abilities to learn and grow.
• Advocacy and Education: The organization uses its art to advocate for disability awareness and promote social change, providing positive role models for the community.
• Diverse Class Offerings: A wide range of styles from ballet to hip-hop, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Contact Information

Address: 3030 Euclid Ave #100, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA

Phone: (216) 432-0306

What is worth choosing

Choosing the Dancing Wheels Company & School is a decision to support an institution that is not only a leader in dance but a leader in social change. For Ohio residents, this is a unique and invaluable resource. What truly sets this place apart is its unwavering commitment to inclusivity and its pioneering spirit. As one reviewer eloquently stated, "It’s a wonderful place specifically for children and adults with mobility challenges," where "dances are choreographed with wheelchairs and walkers in mind." The teachers' ability to interpret ballet and jazz skills and "interpret into movements individually tailored for each dancer’s ability" is a testament to their professionalism and dedication.

Beyond the exceptional technical instruction, the most compelling reason to choose Dancing Wheels is the sense of belonging and community it provides. The studio is described as a "home" where "everybody, including parents enjoy to be there." This supportive environment is crucial, especially for those who may feel marginalized elsewhere. The organization provides positive role models and challenges negative stereotypes, proving that dance is an art form for everyone. By enrolling in a class, you or your child become part of a powerful movement that is both artistic and social, an experience that transcends a simple dance lesson and enriches lives in a profound way. It’s a place where differences are not just accommodated but are celebrated as part of what makes the art so beautiful.

Dancing Wheels Co & School

3030 Euclid Ave #100, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA