Fort Worth is stepping it up for its second annual Unified Dance, an all-inclusive shin-dig that's got both special ed and typical kids tearing up the dance floor. Teaming up for the affair, the city’s Park & Recreation Department along with the Fort Worth ISD, is laying out the red carpet for a sensory-friendly extravaganza that's as much a delight for the little ones as it is for the grownups, with the promise of dancing until they drop, arts and crafts and even karaoke to belt out their favorite jams.
For those ready to blitz the night away, the bash is happening on Friday, April 12, at the Diamond Hill Community Center, where from 6:30-8:30 p.m. families will come together in a bonanza of face painting, yard games, and hoops, alongside a spread of food to keep the energy high, not to mention door prizes that'll have the lucky ones grinning from ear to ear. And the crème de la crème? A crowning ceremony for the Dance King and Queen that's bound to be a sight for sore eyes.
Victoria Leach, honcho at Thomas Place Community Center and dance orchestrator, spilled the beans on the effort to play up the inclusivity factor at Fort Worth recreation spots; she says they recognized the dire need for kicks and giggles for those special needs folks who've outgrown other programs. "We strive to make Fort Worth a place that is inclusive for all, and we’re excited to create additional programming and events that embrace all audiences," Leach told the City of Fort Worth.
Details, in case this is something up your alley and you're considering letting your hair down for what promises to be a pretty swell night, hit up Victoria Leach at 817-392-7427 to scoop more dirt or iron out the wrinkles on what's what. Get set to jive, folks, because this dance is no wallflower affair – it's a full-blown boogie-woogie where the tunes will be spinning and the lights will be dazzling but never too much, ensuring a safe space where overstimulation takes a backseat to the fun.
