Ballet for all

A Wright State graduate student introduced ballet to over a dozen adult and toddler clients at the United Rehabilitation Services of Greater Dayton.

Jodi Villars, a graduate student in the adapted physical education program in the College of Education and Human Services, taught the class thanks to a performing arts grant that was awarded to United Rehabilitation Services.

“We kind of adapt a typical ballet class so they can be moving and productive,” said Villars.

The classes focus on movement with music to help clients coordinate their brain and muscles and get them up and moving. “For kids and adults with disabilities they really struggle sometimes to access the arts in our community,” said Dennis Grant, United Rehabilitation Services executive director.

The three-week-long program will conclude on Aug. 11 but plans are being made to continue the program.

Wright State celebrates its 50th anniversary as an independent public university in 2017, culminating with a special Homecoming celebration Sept. 29 through Oct. 1.