Dancing Dreams

My daughter has been volunteering at Dancing Dreams for a couple of years and she absolutely loves it. It is amazing what this program does.

Great organization. It has been wonderful learning about the program and how happy the kids are.

Dancing Dreams is truly a wonderful organization that provides tons of love, support and wonderful enrichment through their dance program for children with disabilities. It is a privilege to see the happiness Dancing Dreams creates firsthand. It's founder and staff work tirelessly to ensure that no matter what, every child has an opportunity to fulfill their dream of dance, no matter their ability.

I have 5 year old twin daughters with autism that have been a part of dancing dreams going on their 2nd year. I happened to do a google search because i was in desperate need to find an appropriate dance school for them that is inclusive and are knowledgeable about working with my daughters and their diagnosis.
It was a blessing to have found Dancing Dreams as my daughters look forward to every Thursday. Dressing in their leotard and going into that loving environment where they are accepted and are able to express themselves.
The smiles on their faces and them saying "dance class", I know it is soo enjoyable for them. I tell everyone about Dancing Dreams.

I was a dancer at Dancing Dreams from the time I was five Open till I was 17. I can say that it is not only such a fun and welcoming environment for all the dancers involved but it also creates lasting bonds with all the helpers. I can say with 100% certainty that I would not be who I am today without Dancing Dreams

Paige has been with Dancing Dreams for 4 years. She looks forward to it every week. The Volunteers are wonderful.

My daughter started with Dancing Dreams about 10 years+ ago and is still very involved in the program because it’s not just a program it’s family. It’s a place where you don’t just dance and twirl No, It’s a support team. A place where you find friends, therapy , help and an awesome teacher and helpers. It’s a place where we all help each other not only physically but emotionally,
It’s a safe haven, where the young ones are not afraid to be themselves and be happy doing what they love to do, dance.

We have participated in Dancing Dreams for a lot years. My child likes everyone here very much. She has made many friends. She always looks forward to every Thursday.

Our son Chris is nonverbal, but Dancing Dreams has helped him express himself and his love of music!!! We are so very appreciative to have found such a wonderful organization!!!

Dancing Dreams is truly an amazing program. It empowers, encourages, and enlightens children to express themselves freely in spite of physical challenges. I highly recommend to donate and invite many who are seeking to be part of this caring program.

I like Dancing Dreams! No, I love Dancing Dreams! Everyone at Dancing Dreams is so friendly, they love these kids from the bottom of their hearts. My daughter has been dancing in Dancing Dreams for nearly 4 years. She loves to dance here. This makes her make friends and makes her cheerful!

Have a special needs granddaughter who loves that she can take dance class like her “normal “ friends.

Dancing Dreams is an amazing organization, a blessing to my daughter and all our family. It has provided her confidence, self esteem, a sense of belonging, a can-do attitude, all so important for any child, but most importantly, a special needs child. When she hears her typical friends talking about dance class, she can feel that she too is involved in that, that she too can do what they are doing, which is so rare for a physically challenged child, who watches her typical friends doing so many things she can't. Dancing Dreams has made that possible. We are so grateful for Dancing Dreams!

My daughter Alex has been a member for seven years. This year she will miss out and is completely devastated. Joann still keeps in touch and I love her for always making things better. We as a family truly love Dancing Dreams for all the wonderful memories we have created together. When Alex is medically safe to return to Dancing Dreams, it will be a day of rejoice. She sees herself Dancing with Dancing Dreams forever. This is where she feels most comfortable and that is because of the great atmosphere, her peers, the volunteers and her teacher, Ms. Joann.

My daughter has been a Dancing Dream student for 2 years. She loves dancing with her friends and has enjoyed numerous special outings that have provided wonderful enrichment. She and her friends float and spin together each week! The staff and volunteers are absolutely dedicated.

My daughter Adryana was born with Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus, Bilateral clubbed feet and a few other diagnoses. Since she was little, she loved to dance! It's her passion. There are no ballet classes for our kids. Dancing dreams is a dream come true. This is her first year and they are so helpful and accommodating. I couldn't afford the fee and she applied for a scholarship. We couldn't be any happier and grateful for Dancing dreams!!

Dancing dreams is totally awesome! The kids enjoy their dances. The shows are beautiful. The staff, the volunteers, the costumes! And while the kids have fun dancing they work in their coordination too and socialize and learn to listen.. Dancing dreams is awesome! Thank you!!!

I have been volunteering at Dancing Dreams for many years and I always look forward to every September when the classes resume. This nonprofit was started by Joann Ferrara with only four young girls and has blossomed into over 100 boys and girls now enjoying both ballet and tap dancing! I absolutely love seeing the dancers get together as they are so excited to see each other every week. Dancing Dreams not only affords one to learn to dance but gives them opportunities to meet new people and make lifelong friendships. Of course, one of my favorite times is working with the dancers backstage during our huge performance in the springtime where the dancers are so excited to get into costume and love having their makeup put on them in preparation for their big show! It is so wonderful to watch all the dancers be a part of something that makes them so proud to be who they are and what they have accomplished despite any handicaps they have and to shine like the stars they are! This nonprofit also helps mold young adults who volunteer their time week after week after their school day is finished to help these young dancers accomplish their dreams by being there for them and helping them in any way the dancers need assistance. The volunteers not only form special bonds with the dancers but they, themselves, learn great lessons by giving back to society by being there for these dancers. I would highly recommend Dancing Dreams.

This is a wonderful organization. Very dedicated to helping special needs kids overcome special needs. My daughter started in January 2009 and still attends at 16 years old. We will miss all the helpers, children and Joanne. Joanne is an amazing women who has dedicated her life to our special needs children. I will be forever grateful to her for helping my daughter overcome her shyness, fears, and anxiety. She helped my daughter build her confidence, helped her endurance and taught her how to be a team member, as well as how to get along with other children with special needs.

Joanne is a wonderful person, she had started this Dance program to help our differently abled kids and now it so wonderful and is helping many kids in the process, they are having fun while learning dance. Thanks to all her helpers volunteers and staff for everything they do.

My son has a great time at Dancing Dreams. The organization gives children with CP an opportunity to dance and move with the freedom of knowing they are safe, loved and unjudged. Joann and her team open doors and unfurl dreams. In the midst of this pandemic, the DD team provides virtual and socially distanced outdoor opportunities for the kids to get together and move -- a welcomed distraction from online games and videos. During his virtual and in-person classes, he considers them "my time!" with his friends.

Thank you for the dedication, creativity and dreams.

Victoria

Dancing Dreams is an amazing program, run by amazing people. To quote my 8 year old daughter "most dance studios don't welcome people with disabilities, but Dancing Dreams does". As you can see, my daughter enjoys the simple fact that at DD she can participate in a class even though she may not have the same abilities as someone else. All students are happily welcomed with open arms at this dance program. But all kindness and love aside, the program itself helps boost confidence and is an excellent form of physical activity. Each class is great workout and a ton of fun. My child certainly seems happier and more self assured since joining. I think this has a lot to do with her being not only accepted, but celebrated, for who she is. Kudos to Joann and her team at Dancing Dreams for creating and sharing this wonderful program!

Dancing Dreams is amazing! Joann and her staff are welcoming and create a safe space for our daughter to shine and feel successful despite her physical challenges. She has grown into a confident tween who LOVES to dance. Thank you DD!

Dancing Dreams is a place where Sebastian feels included. He felt confident the minute he walked in, there were children who had walkers just like him and everyone was still dancing with so much joy. He is able to take these classes with pride because he knows that his disability won’t stop him. All of the dance teachers and staff are so encouraging, they mad us feel welcome and loved. One thing I know for sure is he gained so much confidence in his dance moves. We are so happy to be apart of this family!

Sebastian Ortiz & Family.

My daughter, Monica, was one of the original five little dancers that made up Dancing Dreams. With the love and support of a determined physical therapist, this program has become a second family for many. My daughter has loved every moment of her DD journey. Dancing Dreams and Joann Ferraro have really made a difference in my daughters life.

My daughter joined Dancing Dreams last year and absolutely loves it, and so do we. She has Cerebral Palsy but loves to dance. We were so sad we couldn’t put her in the “traditional” dance class and we stumbled upon dancing dreams and couldn’t be happier!!

My daughter is now 12, but has been involved in Dancing Dreams since she was 3. Her dance classes have helped give her a community of peers, a group of children who see each other as equals no matter their ability. The helpers have been encouraging, instilling in my daughter a sense of confidence. Joann has been a force of creativity, sparking the dancers' minds with dance moves and positive attitudes. The Dancing Dreams recital each year is mind-boggling in its level of detail, excitement and glitter! Such fun! Even now in the pandemic, the spirit of DD can not be put out, with outdoor and Zoom classes to keep the dancers moving. Thank you Joann!

Absolute amazing organization. My son Joseph presents with low muscle tone and fine motor delays. However he loves music and Dancing Dreams helps him meet new friends and express himself. He is encouraged to keep trying no matter his ability. Every week he looks forward to dancing with the team. Everyone here is valued and recognized as an individual. A true blessing!

My son Matteo’s life has remarkably improved not only physically but also emotionally and socially. Matteo was born with Cortical Dysplasia and presents with similar symptoms as those with CP. Matteo also has cognitive delays which makes it harder for him to form meaningful relationships. However, attending Dancing Dreams dance class every week has given him that sense of belonging not only socially but has also helped him to form lasting friendships with volunteers, staff and friends. Joann has known Matteo since he was a toddler. She treats the dancers with so much respect and empathy that you can tell they all look forward to her dance class. The look on their faces just says it all! Thank you Joann! Thank you to all dancing dreams staff and volunteers. You are truly making such an impact on our kids! ❤️

My son was born with Arthrogryposis and enrolling him in the neighborhood dance school was never an option. They just would not be able to adapt to his needs. So many family face this problem. Thank goodness we found DANCING DREAMS! Dancing Dreams is just not about dancing, it is about community. It fosters a nurturing bond for young people of all abilities to share dreams and be a part of something creative. And behind the beauty of Dancing Dreams is the beautiful founder, Joanne Ferrara. Her love for each and every one of the dancers is genuine and true. No words can express our gratitude for having Dancing Dreams in our lives.

I’ve watched this organization grow from 5 dancers to over 100. Going to a Dancing Dreams recital will fill your heart and spirit with such happiness It is a truly uplifting experience for everyone involved. This program expands the dancers, the helpers , the parents perception of what can be accomplished. The confidence gained by having so many hands on experiences and performing at such places as Gracie Mansion is life changing. The impact that the Dancing Dreams program has on both the dancers and helpers changes the way they think and interact with people for the rest of their lives

Volunteering as a teen dancer was one of the most meaningful experiences I carry with me from my high school years. This organization brings smiles to ALL kids in a true celebration of the power & magic of dance!

Dancing Dreams is honestly the greatest foundation I’ve ever seen. The smiles on the children’s faces are unmatchable. Dancing Dreams not only gives the children a fantastic community and a chance to realize their dreams can come true, but it also is a great eye opener for the teen volunteers

When other dance program refused to allow my daughter to participate due to her symptoms Dancing Dreams accepted her and embraced her. They paired her with an assistance to assist her. and she was able to attend her very first Ballet recital. This was a dream come true for me and for her. We feel so blessed and honored to have participated in Dancing Dreams. We were also provided with a full scholarship. I highly recommend this program.

What more can I say about dancing dreams that hasn’t been said already. Everyone is who part of this amazing organization has always and forever go above and beyond to make dance class and the recital a magical time these kids will never forget. Joann and her staff have a heart of gold. We love dancing dreams and all that they stand for!

What can I say that hasn't been said? Joann and her staff have really created an amazing thing in Dancing Dreams.

I can't even express the feeling seeing my daughter onstage in the performance of "City NIghts." She is just 7 and this was her first year participating. Every week she was quite excited to practice for Dancing Dreams!

But I was totally unprepared for what I felt at the performance. I can't get the looks of joy that I saw onstage out of my mind. The dancers were given an opportunity to do something really special through Dancing Dreams. They created wonderful art through their movements. The performance of "City Nights" at York College was painfully beautiful. I can't remember being this proud, not only of my own daughter, but of all the dancers up there. It takes a lot of bravery to perform, not just for people with challenges but for anyone!

The presence and competence of the helpers was an unexpected surprise. I am really impressed that it is still possible to arrange such a selfless group of young people to spend much of their valuable time doing the hard work required in assisting the dancers. When I took my daughter to practice, these student helpers weren't sitting around texting and looking bored. On the contrary, they seemed quite engaged and my daughter formed a friendship with her helper that persisted outside the studio.

And these teens do not even get to enter the limelight, but instead dress in concealing black to better allow the dancers to shine onstage! These high schoolers even arranged a wonderful post-show party that was fun and memorable.

Excellent dance class for children with different abilities!! The teacher and staff help the students achieve their goals.

Dancing Dreams has made such an impact on my daughter's life. Besides making friends it has also helped her in her ability to socialize and to express herself through music and dance.

Our daughter entered the Dancing Dreams family and has enhanced her social skills with her peers in addition to improving her motor skills. We are so proud of her and are greatly appreciative of the Dancing Dreams staff, volunteers, and helpers.

Dancing Dreams is a wonderful organization. The dancers are treated with respect and given the ability to make their dreams come alive. There are so many things that the program teaches both dancers and volunteers. My daughter was a volunteer and I saw such a positive transformation. I endorse Dancing Dreams to anyone who will listen. Joanne and her team work tirelessly to give the Dancers a platform to realize their dreams.

My 9 year old daughter Tianni has been with Dancing Dreams for 5 years. Tianni has low muscle tone which led to her scoliosis due to her being born with Prader Willi Syndrome. Dancing Dreams has provided Tianni the opportunity to dance despite of her physical challenges. Dancing Dreams is a dream come true for our family!

I first read about Dancing Dreams in People magazine several years ago. Over the years, I have watched this program grow from a few dancers and helpers to the program it is today. Joann Ferrara is an amazing woman with boundless energy who pours her heart and soul into Dancing Dreams. I continue to be amazed year after year by the end of year performance and the smiles on the dancers faces, both boys and girls light up my life. There is nothing more beautiful than watching these children perform on stage, and no doubt these performances are special moments in their lives as well as the lives of their families. I have had the privilege of watching several weekday classes and have seen firsthand the progress in the children through dance movements and music. I never leave a class without a smile on my face knowing the impact this program has on the lives of these children. To Joann, the teachers, helpers, volunteers and all those involved with Dancing Dreams, you are all truly my heroes!

Dancing Dreams is a dream comes through for my son Clemente who has been developing physically, emotionally, and spiritually for the last three years as part of this amazing experience. The perfect atmosphere Ms. Joan has created is welcoming, delightful, and fruitful. Every single person in this wonderful team of professionals know my son by name and treat him with the love and respect that can only emanates from pure, genuine hearts. The progress my son has made is priceless, and his confidence has improved greatly since joining the dream.
From the perspective of a loving mother With Wisdom, I can attest that this program is worthy of support, growth, and recognition. Even though the vast majority are girls, my boy has always been treated accordingly which I greatly appreciate. Seeing the smiles, and perceiving the warmth of all of the volunteers while helping our little ones, makes my heart bless them all at the speed of light.
From the perspective of an adult who faced severe physical challenges during my childhood, I perceive the environment of Dancing Dream as “Heaven on earth.” To be more clear or specific, I mean that this is a place of safety, peace, and love. A place where our children can experience the freedom to be, to become, to take ownership of their full potentials under the great guidance and leadership in which they are encouraged in perfect harmony with the heart beats that sound in one accord “You can” “You will.”

Leaders know when people care about something deeply, success follows. I have never met anyone more passionate than Joann Ferrara, a pediatric physical therapist by training who founded Dancing Dreams, a charity that gives children with physical challenges a chance to fulfill their dreams to dance. It is her passion, her dedication, her sleepless nights and her dreams that enable her to turn the impossible dreams of hundreds of boys and girls into reality.

Joann’s passion is matched equally by that of her student ballerinas and teen helpers. As a result, both teacher and students thrive and hundreds of children, parents, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles and teens benefit from a dance experience they never thought possible. And dance they do, in a performance “extravaganza” on stage complete with costumes, makeup and glitter-- just like their friends, sisters and mothers have done.

So what if this ballerina is in a wheelchair? So what if she has braces on her legs? Joann and her cohort of teen helpers inspire these boys and girls to realize their full potential.

It’s infectious. It’s inspiring. And, it delivers results that truly make dreams come true.

Don’t take my word for it. See for yourself at www.dancingdreams.org.

I first encountered Dancing Dreams while facilitating tickets for dancers attending a performance by New York City Ballet. I was so impressed by the Dancing Dreams staff, the organization and the enthusiasm of the children that upon retiring, I became an adult volunteer. Attending weekly classes for 3 years, I have seen the teachers engaging the dancers, and the dancer’s joy. Additionally, the commitment of the of the teen helpers and the genuine caring friendships they have with the dancers affirms that Dancing Dreams is providing an exceptionally valuable experience to many children.

My daughter started attending Dancing Dreams in September and she loves it. She’s five and had been asking to go to a dance class for quite some time. I was so excited when I found out about this program and am very pleased with the team. They offer engaging sessions and make the kids feel so special each week.

There's no community as empowering and good-spirited as the one I've found at Dancing Dreams. I volunteered with Dancing Dreams for 3 years in high school, traveling all the way from Manhattan to Bayside, Queens for an hour each week to help my dancer, Isabel, participate in the incredible classes Joann teaches. Her energy is infectious and she brings 110% to everything she does. I have been fortunate enough to return to Dancing Dreams since graduating and volunteer when my work schedule permits. There's nothing quite as magical as watching these children get ready backstage, with nervous excitement as they wait to show their family and friends that they, too, can be ballerinas. Dancing Dreams is a special community I feel so lucky to be a part of.

My daughter Palak is a Down syndrome child. She is very loving, she loves dancing . I tried to put her in no of dance classes before but she couldn’t cope up there, then I came to know about Dancing Dreams. Dancing dreams has really provided a wonderful platform for my daughter to learn dance. Miss Joan’s selfless dedication is amazing. All the volunteers here are so dedicated and loving. The year end show is a long awaited one that increases the special needs kids’s confidence and increase their morale. I m really glad My daughter is a part of dancing dreams. She has been with DD for the past three years and enjoying dancing . I wish to be a part of it for the coming years

Dancing Dreams has been a real haven for my daughter Penelope. She started at Dancing Dreams when she was just three years old. It was the first place as a special needs mom that I was able to take her and NOT have to hold her and work with her through the whole class. She has had several different helpers in the three years she has attended Dancing Dreams and all of them have been so lovely, attentive and helpful. It is a true joy to see my daughter, who is five now and does not yet walk on her own, dance. The show at the end of each year really blows you away from costumes to performances. One of the best things I love about DD is the camaraderie with the other parents there. I have had some deeply therapeutic talks with the other parents as our kids attend class and it makes it so much more valuable as special needs parents can sometimes feel isolated from other parents. Thank you Dancing Dreams for all you have done and all you continue to do for special needs children and their families.

Dancing Dreams is a gift to a disabled child and the family.
All children love to dance and perform with the love of their family and friends smiling and applauding !
Dancing Dreams is a place where there is an enthusiastic and creative place where kids are accepted to be exactly who they are and dance beyond their expectations!

I first found out about this organization about 10 years ago when I went to a recital because my friend’s daughter was a helper. From that year I knew I wanted to support this organization. Since then I have volunteered at recitals, weekly and organized events to raise funds for Dancing Dreams

I was a dancer during high school from 2008-2011. I have cerebral palsy and I was able to participate in dance in my wheelchair. This is an awesome program and great bonding experience for youth with physical and medical disabilities. Joann and her staff work very hard and are extremely dedicated!

My daughter Sam was born with Down Syndrome and we all know that each Down Syndrome child is different. Sam has poor communication skills but she loves to dance. Sam started Dancing Dreams in September 2017 and from the first day of class, she was already hooked on it and looked forward to going every Thursday. The director Joann is an ecstatic teacher and dancer that brings out the best in each student. She tells them to not give in and not be afraid but to step out of their comfort zone. She tells them that a dance step does not need to be perfect or great. This motto is what makes my daughter happy because it continues to give her that confidence to keep going. I cannot talk about Dancing Dreams without talking about the volunteers and helpers that are so compassionate to all the dancers. With them, Dancing Dreams works like a well oiled machine and as a parent, it makes me smile and happy that I have learnt about this non-profit organization.

I always thought my daughter Genevieve who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy wasn’t going to be able to do the things I wanted to do when I was a kid and that’s dance I look up dancing dreams and spoke with the director she’s was real nice.. my daughter is new to dancing dreams and was welcome with open arms she loves dancing dreams and I’m happy to do this with her

My daughter has been dancing with Dancing Dreams for 5 years. The care and attention the staff provide is amazing. The joy she gets from being with other children and by interacting with the helpers is priceless. The teen helpers lives are also changed from their interactions with the special needs children. Even after they graduate, they still come back to visit my daughter.

One element of Dancing Dreams I respect the most is the fact that they are always trying to improve. They add classes, services, etc. They are always looking to do more.

The recital is amazing - imaging having the opportunity to dance in front of 1500 people - especially when you are left out of most opportunities in your life. For these children, dancing is real - not just a dream!

I have seen Dancing Dreams grow from a few dancers to over 100 in three locations. It is such a fabulous program, focusing on each child’s abilities. Listening to the children talk about how they can take dance classes like their friends and siblings is wonderful. The program gives the children confidence. The helpers and dancers also form a special bond. I love how the program is open to all, even if finances are an issue.
I cannot sit through their fabulous end of year performance without tears in my eyes. The dancers and their helpers are so proud of what they’ve accomplished. Sometimes parents see their child walk for the first time! It’s really an amazing program run by an amazing woman.

For the past 9 years, I have been involved with Dancing Dreams in a variety of roles. First as a high school teen “Helper,” later as an adult volunteer, and most recently as Leadership Program Director, I have experienced, firsthand, the power of this organization. I, like hundreds of other teen Helpers, am emboldened by the power of my actions and empowered by my ability to impact the lives of others. By intimately working with the physically challenged population, our eyes were opened to the innate abilities of all individuals and we were given the tools to raise disability awareness and advocate for the differently-abled. I gained confidence and self-esteem as a result of assuming responsibilities of being a role model, applicable skills that continue to sustain my academic and professional pursuits.
Started by pediatric physical therapist, Joann Ferrara, over 12 years ago, Dancing Dreams began as adaptive dance classes for physically challenged children and teens but it has grown to so very much more than that. Dancers are paired 1:1 or 1:2 with teen “Helpers” who support them at weekly dance classes and a full-scale annual performance— over 125 dancers and 200 Helpers are enrolled across 3 class sites (Manhattan, Queens, Long Island). Classes are taught by pediatric physical therapists and, by focusing on every child’s ability, all are able to experience the freeing beauty and expressiveness of dance.
But, at Dancing Dreams, the physical benefits of dance class are secondary to their emotional and psychological advantages. Extending beyond the dance studio, best friendships emerge between dancers and deep relationships develop between dancers and their teen Helpers. The strong Dancing Dreams community, connecting hundreds of families and individuals, continuously expands as a supportive network for all. The beaming faces of the audience and the dancers and Helpers at every annual performance say it all; the dancers’ achievements as they have their moment in the spotlight are shared with their family and entire community of supporters and a mutual sense of intense pride and accomplishment is palpable throughout the entire theater.
Simply put: Dancing Dreams, as a combination of the hard work of dancers, teen Helpers, teachers, adult volunteers, and staff, changes lives . Dancing Dreams transforms dreams into reality.

There are angels on earth and Joann Ferrara is one of them. The story of Dancing Dreams is a story about love, joy, community, courage, and happiness. I did not understand that when I was first made aware of Dancing Dreams by my business partner when she suggested we donate some tutus to a very small organization called Dancing Dreams that put on a dance recital in a church in queens. The dancers were children with various motor disabilities, the helpers were high school kids and the leader ( Joann) was a physical therapist who wanted to help one of her patients ‘Dance like her sister). When we donated, Joann invited us to her annual show which at that time was held at the Mary Lewis Academy in Queens. I did not want to go. I thought it would be too painful to watch, but Joann convinced us ( my business partner and me) to go.
What I could have never imagined, never could have realized was how uplifting the experience was. The joy that was on the faces of the kids, the laughter and tears of joy that were on the faces of the parents in the audience, the incredible dedication and energy from the student helpers, the bond that formed between the helpers and their dancer... and of course the sheer force of nature that emanated from Joann as she led the Dancers in each of their dance routines.
So where I thought I was see pain and struggle, what I saw was sheer joy and pride in each of the children, each of the helpers, every family member in audience. So it is with joy and pride and complete admiration that we have supported Dancing Dreams every years since.

Today Dancing Dreams has 131 dancers- boys and girls and three class sites, 200 high school volunteers. Joann and all the volunteers are truly angels in right here on earth.

This is a wonderful program started by one of the most selfless people I know, Joann Ferrara. Dancing Dreams allows disabled little girls to take ballet lessons and participate in spectacular recitals just like other little girls their age. Each dance routine is specially choreographed and adapted to suit the abilities of each dancer. Each dancer has their own helper who is usually a local high school volunteer. On the day of their recitals, these little girls are so excited to be on stage, all made up with their beautiful costumes. When you look at their faces you see pure bliss!! There is not a dry in the audience. When one recital ends, Joann is already working on the next one. Each year it takes more planning because of the popularity of the program. From the original 5 she is now up to over 40 dancers!!

Fabulous organization!! Gives young girls with physical disabilities the ability to participate in a ballet program. Gives high school students the opportunity to volunteer as helpers for the ballerinas. Inspiring recital performance at the end of the year to a packed house. Joann Ferrara, a physical therapist with a dancing background, started this program and has seen it grow from just a handful of students to over 40 in just a few years. Bravo!!

I am a mother to a legally blind daughter with Cerebral Palsy. I was looking for after school activities for her to participate in where she would feel accepted and confident. We were lucky enough to find Dancing Dreams. A ballet school for girl's with special needs. My daughter Elizabeth loves it and has made some wonderful friends. It has helped not only with her confidence, but with her balance and movement. Before she started Dancing Dreams she could not jump without falling over. This year she played The Big Bad Wolf in the recital and jumped all over the stage. The program is run by one of the most selfless women I have ever met, Joann Ferrara.