1. Special Edition: Dance Exercise for Special Populations
Created by Special Edition Dance Fitness, LLC and Kenyatta and Company Studio
Randi Farrell, OTR
Kenyatta Kelly, CPT

2. Special Edition Dance Fitness, LLC
Learning Objectives
1. Participants will be able to identify the basic components of the dance exercise program. 2. Participants will be able to identify 5 benefits of participation in a consistent exercise program. 3. Participants will be able to identify 3 barriers special needs individuals face when attempting to participate in an exercise program 4. Participants will be able to identify 3 ways Special Edition breaks the barriers of participation in an exercise program for special needs individuals 5. Participants will be able to participate in a presented Special Edition selection. 6. Participants will be able to identify 3 ways to modify a musical selection for two special needs populations
Special Edition Dance Fitness, LLC

3. Special Edition Dance Fitness, LLC
Introduction
Special Edition Dance Fitness, LLC

4. Benefits of a Dance Fitness Program
Improves heart and cardiovascular system
Increases lung capacity
Facilitates strong bones helping to retard diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis
Aids in raising good cholesterol and lowering bad cholesterol
Aids in blood sugar control and therefore helps control diabetes
Increases circulation
Calorie blaster
Improves balance and coordination
Improves mental focus
Socialization
Culturally diverse
Affects mood such as decreasing depression, anxiety and stress and increases sense of well-being
Special Edition Dance Fitness, LLC and Kenyatta and Co. Studio

5. Special Edition Dance Fitness, LLC and Kenyatta and Co. Studio
Basics of Dance
The Count: American vs. Latin
Importance of rhythm
Importance of rhythm and emotion when choosing a playlist
Variation of music within a class
Warm up and cool down should be encouraging and motivating
Special Edition Dance Fitness, LLC and Kenyatta and Co. Studio

6. Special Edition Dance Fitness, LLC and Kenyatta and Co. Studio
Let’s Dance !!!
Special Edition Dance Fitness, LLC and Kenyatta and Co. Studio

7. Benefits of a Dance Fitness Program for People With a Disability
All the benefits of participating in dance fitness for the general population PLUS:
FUN!
Uses music and dance to help stimulate the whole brain making it an excellent learning tool
Routine and familiar
Encourages motor movement
Provides a program that doesn’t focus on reduced physical or behavioral skills
Provides positive role models and support from others
Fosters feelings of success and accomplishment
Safe non-judgmental environment
Special Edition Dance Fitness, LLC and Kenyatta and Co Studio

8. Modifications For Varied Populations
When working with any population with medical issues ALWAYS make sure you know the precautions associated with that individual. That is your responsibility!
Special Edition Dance Fitness, LLC and Kenyatta and Co. Studio

9. General Modifications for Ambulatory Students
Fewer, less complicated steps
Slower paced movements
Lower impact movements
Movements that can be modified up or down
Special Edition Dance Fitness, LLC and Kenyatta and Co. Studio

10. Modifications for Other Populations:
Non-ambulatory
Modify leg movements along with arm movements
CVA with hemiparesis
Support weaker arm or leg with stronger limb
Use less range of motion
Use “buddy system”
Hip Replacement
Depending on the age/type of replacement, restrict hip adduction and flexion
Special Edition Dance Fitness, LLC and Kenyatta and Co. Studio

11. Special Edition Dance Fitness, LLC and Kenyatta and Co. Studio
Let’s Dance !!!
Special Edition Dance Fitness, LLC and Kenyatta and Co. Studio

12. Special Edition Dance Fitness, LLC and Kenyatta and Co. Studio
Summary
Fun!
Relaxed and Social Environment
Varied Music
Variable class lengths and breaks within class
Make each participant feel special and valued
Personalize Class
- Take special requests
- Create choreography for songs class members’ request
- Acknowledge improvements or those working hard during class
- Plan special class events
- Bring class members up front to teach with you
How would you modify for students with……….
- Autism
- Down Syndrome
- CVA with hemiparesis
- General Debility
Special Edition Dance Fitness, LLC and Kenyatta and Co. Studio

13. Special Edition Dance Fitness, LLC and Kenyatta and Co. Studio
Literature Citations
Helmer,Jodi, Dancing As A Workout, April 13, 2016.
Kawaguchi, Emily, Zumba for People with Down Syndrome, Available from URL: December
Lynn, Maggie, Activities Using Music with Down’s Syndrome Children, Available from URL: January 4, 2016.
Luettgen, Mary, Foster, C., Doberstein,S., Mikat, R., Porcari, J., (2012), Zumba: Is the “fitness-party” a good workout. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. 11,
Luettgen, Mary, Foster, C., Doberstein,S., Mikat, R., Porcari, J., (2012), ZUMBA: Sure It’s Fun But Is It Effective? ACE CertifiedNews, September 2012.
Top Ten Fitness and Health Benefits of Dancing, editor, April 14, 2016
Yeager,Selene, Woman’s Health Magazine, August, 2012.
Special Edition Dance Fitness, LLC and Kenyatta and Co. Studio

14. Randi Farrell, OTR Kenyatta Kelly, CPT Special Edition Dance Fitness Kenyatta & Co. Studio
; N. Fry Rd. Katy Tx
kenyattaandco.com