MOVE Inclusive Dance

Are you a family in Tennessee searching for a truly unique and empowering dance experience that embraces every individual, regardless of their ability? Look no further than MOVE Inclusive Dance in Nashville. This remarkable non-profit organization is transforming lives through the power of dance, creating a welcoming and nurturing environment where individuals of all abilities—including those with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities—can learn, grow, and express themselves. Since its founding in 2018, MOVE Inclusive Dance has grown from a small summer camp into a substantial year-round program, serving individuals throughout Middle Tennessee and beyond. Their philosophy is simple yet profound: dance is for everyone, and it has the power to foster personal growth, confidence, and joy. For parents of children with autism or other special needs, finding activities where their child feels "safe while having fun and learning" and being "around their peers" is a profound blessing, and MOVE Inclusive Dance consistently delivers on this promise. The dedication of their "amazing and caring group" of employees and volunteers, who are "educated and so invested in all of the kids and adults," creates an unparalleled supportive community. If you're in the Nashville area and believe in the transformative power of movement for all, MOVE Inclusive Dance offers an inspiring and invaluable opportunity for connection, expression, and growth.

MOVE Inclusive Dance is conveniently located at 7657 Hwy 70 S #101, Nashville, TN 37221, USA. This accessible location in the Bellevue area of Nashville ensures that families throughout the city and surrounding communities in Middle Tennessee can easily reach the studio. Situated on Highway 70 South, a primary thoroughfare, the facility is simple to find, minimizing travel time and making consistent class attendance more manageable for busy schedules. The specific suite number (#101) helps in navigating directly to their welcoming space. Being in Bellevue, MOVE Inclusive Dance is embedded within a vibrant community that is familiar to many Nashville residents, making it a well-known and trusted local resource. This convenient access is particularly important for families who may be traveling from various parts of the metro area, including those from other neighborhoods in Nashville, as well as nearby cities like Franklin and Brentwood. Ample parking is typically available at the location, further contributing to the ease of visiting the studio. This accessible and central position allows MOVE Inclusive Dance to serve a broad range of individuals, reinforcing its mission to provide inclusive dance opportunities to anyone in Tennessee who desires to experience the joy of movement.

MOVE Inclusive Dance offers a unique and diverse array of services, all centered around their core mission of empowering individuals of all abilities through dance. Their programs are thoughtfully designed to be adaptable, engaging, and beneficial for physical, emotional, and social well-being. Here's a detailed overview of the key services and programs they typically provide:

• Inclusive Dance Classes: These are the cornerstone of their offerings, welcoming individuals with and without physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities. Classes are structured to foster personal growth, confidence, and joy in a nurturing environment. They believe in the power of dance to transform lives, using movement and music to enhance coordination, flexibility, and strength.
• Small Group Class Capacity: To ensure personalized attention, group classes are kept small, typically with a capacity of 10 students and usually averaging 5-8 students. This intimate setting allows teachers to tailor lessons to each student's needs.
• Dedicated Instructors and Dance Buddies: Each group class has at least one lead teacher, and for students who benefit from additional hands-on help, "dance buddies" are often offered. These consistent buddy relationships foster bonding and help students reach their full dance potential.
• Wide Range of Class Offerings by Style and Focus:
  • Creative Movement: Strengthens creativity, imagination, and body awareness, exploring elements of dance like Body, Action, Space, Time, and Energy.
  • Groovy Moves: An upbeat, high-energy class blending techniques from hip hop, funky jazz, and creative movement.
  • Ballet + Lyrical: Combines classical ballet foundations with contemporary movement for expressive and emotional dance.
  • Parent + Child Creative Movement Class: For children aged 5 and under, this class fosters bonding, rhythm, and movement exploration with a caregiver.
  • Latin Dance Classes: Focuses on fun and exercise while learning Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata, accessible for all ages and ability levels.
  • Musical Theater: Classic Musical Theater warm-ups, games, and choreography from Broadway shows, learning performance etiquette and stage directions.
  • Wheelchair Dance: Specifically tailored for independent wheelchair users, focusing on exploring dance, building strength, and fostering connections.
• Adaptive Movements and Sensory Adjustments: Classes are adapted for various disabilities through needs assessments, providing adaptive movements, visual cues, and sensory adjustments to ensure full participation.
• In-Person and Virtual Class Options: MOVE Inclusive Dance offers both in-person attendance at their studios and virtual class options, along with an online library of videos for flexibility.
• Birthday Party Services: They host inclusive and fun birthday parties with dance activities tailored to the birthday child's preferences.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Individuals passionate about dance and inclusivity can volunteer as one-on-one dance buddies or assist with events and administrative tasks.
• Community Partnerships and Outreach: They actively seek collaborations with like-minded organizations to bring MOVE classes to a broader audience.
• Annual Events: Hosting events like the "Get MOVE'n 5K" to raise funds for their programming and a yearly recital (e.g., at Turner Theater).

MOVE Inclusive Dance truly stands out in the Tennessee community, particularly in Nashville, due to several remarkable features and highlights that underscore its mission and profound impact. These attributes consistently receive heartfelt praise from families and partners.

• Unwavering Inclusivity for All Abilities: This is the defining feature of MOVE Inclusive Dance. The studio is dedicated to welcoming and empowering individuals of "all ability levels," including those with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities. This commitment ensures that everyone feels valued, respected, and has the opportunity to experience the joy of dance, breaking down traditional barriers. As one review states, it's a blessing to have "this place for them to be around their peers and feel safe while having fun and learning."
• Exceptional Care and Investment from Staff and Volunteers: The "amazing and caring group" of employees and volunteers are highly "educated and so invested in all of the kids and adults in the classes." This deep commitment ensures personalized attention and a truly supportive environment, where instructors are professional and courteous, and "dance buddies" provide consistent one-on-one help.
• Focus on Holistic Development: MOVE Inclusive Dance goes beyond teaching dance steps. Its programs are designed to empower students to learn "life skills through dance," enhancing physical health (motor skills, flexibility, strength), emotional well-being (confidence, self-esteem, emotional expression), and social connections (friendship, communication, teamwork). Parents note their children "learned critical life skills in the areas of leadership, persistence, perseverance, and teamwork."
• Nurturing and Safe Environment: The studio provides a haven where students like Jameson, who "took awhile to get comfortable," eventually become "so excited to go to class and see his teachers and friends." This creation of a "safe while having fun" space is particularly cherished by parents of children with autism and other special needs.
• Community Building: MOVE Inclusive Dance actively fosters a strong sense of community, where individuals can "meet new friends and feel part of a community." The shared experience of dance "breaks down barriers, encourages empathy, and builds a supportive network where everyone is valued for their unique contributions." Organizations like "Embrace Special Needs Ministry love Move Inc." and actively partner with them due to their positive impact.
• Adaptive and Tailored Instruction: Classes are highly adaptable, with staff conducting needs assessments and providing "adaptive movements, visual cues, sensory adjustments, and more." This ensures that lessons are adjusted to each student's abilities, goals, and comfort level, allowing every dancer to thrive.
• Wide Range of Engaging Class Offerings: From "Creative Movement" to "Wheelchair Dance" and "Latin Dance," the studio offers diverse styles and focuses, ensuring there's something to capture every interest and cater to various needs. The use of engaging activities like "Rhythm and Movement Warm-Up" and "Scarf and Ribbon Dance" further enhances participation.
• Transformative Impact: The core belief that dance can "transform lives" is evident in the tangible outcomes for students, who are described as becoming "better communicators, problem-solvers, and creative thinkers" while gaining "increased respect and compassion for others."

For those in the Nashville, Tennessee area interested in learning more about the inclusive dance programs at MOVE Inclusive Dance, or for inquiries regarding enrollment, volunteering, or hosting a birthday party, the studio is readily accessible via traditional contact methods. You can reach them directly by phone at (615) 582-4993. For added convenience, a mobile phone number, +1 615-582-4993, is also provided, ensuring easy communication. The physical address for MOVE Inclusive Dance is 7657 Hwy 70 S #101, Nashville, TN 37221, USA. Additionally, their website and social media channels provide further details on class schedules, special events, and opportunities to get involved as a donor or volunteer. These contact options ensure that prospective students, families, and community partners can conveniently connect with this vital organization and experience the transformative power of inclusive dance.

In conclusion, MOVE Inclusive Dance in Nashville is an extraordinary and essential resource for locals in Tennessee, offering a truly unique and profoundly impactful dance experience. This non-profit is renowned for its unwavering commitment to inclusivity, creating a "safe and welcoming" environment where individuals of "all abilities" can find joy, express themselves, and build confidence through movement. The heartfelt testimonials praising the "amazing and caring group" of "educated and so invested" employees and volunteers underscore the personalized attention and genuine support every dancer receives. For families navigating the unique challenges of raising children with special needs, finding a place where their child is not only accepted but also "loved and appreciated" and can be "around their peers" is "such a blessing." The studio's emphasis on fostering critical life skills like "leadership, persistence, perseverance, and teamwork" goes far beyond dance steps, making it a truly holistic developmental hub. With its diverse range of adaptive classes, commitment to small group sizes, and strong sense of community, MOVE Inclusive Dance provides an unparalleled opportunity for connection and growth. For any Tennessee resident seeking an organization that embodies compassion, empowers individuals, and celebrates the universal language of dance, MOVE Inclusive Dance stands as a beacon of hope and a vibrant community where everyone belongs.

MOVE Inclusive Dance

7657 Hwy 70 S #101, Nashville, TN 37221, USA