Arts & Entertainment
Shrewsbury Dance Recital Today Highlights Special People and Their Special Talents
Young dancers from Family Resource Associates will take the stage today in their annual showcase. FRA endeavors to help people with disabilities reach their full potential.
On Saturday, Carolyn Duenas of Holmdel will return to the stage at the Family Resource Associates' annual recital -- for the 21st time.
Duenas, 26, has autism. She is one of many dancers who will be featured at Christian Brothers Academy's Henderson Theatre. The annual showcase on May 21 highlights the abilities of the individual dancers. The show starts at noon and all are welcome.
FRA endeavors to help people with disabilities reach their full potential. The dance program is one facet.
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At first Betsy Duenas signed her daughter Carolyn up for dance classes to improve her balance, sensitive sensory system, and ability to follow multiple-step instructions. But it soon became an outlet for her stress and also a confidence builder for the young lady, said Betsy Duenas.
The younger age groups, ranging from three to seven, work on balance and directions, said dance instructor Janine Bedford Sims. The older groups, ages 12 and up, with instructor Jay Bowman, focus more on social dancing like hip-hop and freestyle.
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Currently there is a gap between age groups that FRA hopes to fill with a new class being offered for ages 8 to 11, if enough students sign up. If not, children of all ages will be welcomed in to one of the other groups regardless of their level of ability, according to Sims.
"What sets our program apart is that many dancing studios are now offering classes for special needs children, but we have a certified developmental specialist trained in special education in the room for every program we offer from karate to dance," said Sims.
Carolyn Duernas said, "The dancing class gives me lots and lots of energy and it doesn't cause me stress, because I am happy with it and I enjoy it. It gives me confidence."
FRA's dance classes also supply volunteers who offer one-on-one assistance to any student that requires it. The center is located at 35 Haddon Ave. in Shrewsbury.
The recital is open to the public and tickets are $5 per adult and $1 for children.
To join the mailing list for FRA classes, sign up for the dance program, or to become a volunteer, please call Janine Bedford Sims at (732) 747-5310 ext. 15.
The recital is today, May 21 at noon at CBA at 850 Newman Springs Rd.
