Today, mental fitness is as important as physical fitness. In fact, they go hand-in-hand! As such, the
nonprofit Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida (MHASWFL) and nonprofit  Naples Ballet, Inc
are passionately devoted to helping our youth become mentally and physically fit so that they can enjoy
balanced, happy and productive lives by creating  a dance movement class – Dance with no Limits.

Our target population is any child between the ages of 4 and 17, but we are especially seeking children from underprivileged homes, children with emotional and mental health issues, children with autism and related issues, children with learning disabilities and foster children.

 It is estimated that about one in five children have a diagnosable mental health disorder, and one in ten children have a disorder of such seriousness that it interferes with their functioning at home, at school,
and in our community.

Dance with no Limits includes the psychotherapeutic use of movement and dance through which a child
can engage creatively in a process to further their emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration.
It is founded on the principle that movement reflects an individual’s patterns of thinking and feeling.
Through acknowledging and supporting the child’s movements the instructor encourages development
and integration of new adaptive movement patterns together with the emotional experiences that
accompany such changes. Children are also introduced to Jazz and Ballet dance. 

Lisa the mother of a child who attends the class states, “I have a 15 year old daughter on the Autism Spectrum who has been attending Dance with No Limits. It is so exciting for her to have an activity
weekly that she loves. She smiles as she talks about going every Saturday and returns home very happy.
 I have had a lot of experience over the years trying new activities. Most often my daughter lost interest because she couldn’t focus or understand the directions. She also has difficulty with motor coordination
and feeling herself in space. The first day we went she said to me  ”I can’t dance” . With the encouragement and warmth of the teachers, she has improved not only in recognizing her physical self but also emotionally. Her increase in her self esteem is readily apparent. This is crucial for a teenage girl. There are so many activities kids with special needs can’t do but here is one they can.

The class provides structure with flexibility for the students. They love the music and props.
They are allowed to explore a side of their creativity in a safe place.

My daughter is a bridesmaid in a wedding this summer.
 I guarantee she will be out on that dance floor! “
Classes are held at Naples Academy of Ballet, 1005 5th Ave N., Naples, FL 34102.
Class sizes will range between 10 – 15 depending on age and special needs. For information contact Martina Planavska, Director of Outreach Programming/Social Services at 239/244-1434.