Physical Therapist Joan Ferrara Uses Ballet to Build Muscle and Confidence

At a small dance studio in Bayside, Queens, parents peek in from the waiting room as a diligent teacher demonstrates first position to a group of eager students. The dancers, ranging in age from 3-7, proudly wear pink tights and ballet slippers. At first glance this studio looks like any other ballet school that nurtures the dreams of countless little girls. However, the discarded crutches and walkers lying nearby point to another reality. The students in this ballet class live in bodies that will never know the refined control of a prima ballerina. But for one hour each week, these girls escape a world plagued by awkward physical motion and enter a room filled with elegant music and hope. Here they get a taste of movement that is graceful and deliberate. In this studio, they get a moment to chase a dream.

For the past three years, physical therapist Joann Ferrara has been teaching ballet classes to children with cerebral palsy and other debilitating physical conditions. Most of these children are her patients at Associated Therapies, the treatment center she owns and runs. Many struggle to walk or stand on their own. "These are very bright girls who wanted to do ballet but there were no classes to accommodate them." Ferrara explained. Nor were there teachers with the medical background to teach them safely.

Ms. Ferrara, an ex-gymnast who still studies ballet, adapts her classes to fit the abilities of each child. They do not perform full plies or pirouettes and are lifted by their volunteer partners for leaps. She teaches the basic classical steps, emphasizing graceful port de bras, and shows videos. She encourages the girls to smile and be proud. While their limbs may not exactly obey, these dancers have begun to absorb the disciplined ethic of hard work inherent in classical ballet. Created as an adjunct to their formal therapy, their work in the classroom helps build strength in their bodies. It also builds mental strength, confidence and coordination. For these girls it is a chance to do what other children their age are doing and feel proud of their accomplishments. Veronica Siaba, a seven year old dancer from Associated Therapies, said ballet made her realize she can do things she never thought possible. She learned the important lesson that if you don't try something, you'll never know what you can do. The success of this program stems from Ms. Ferrara knowing she is a physical therapist first and a dancer second. "It is not a class for children with disabilities - it is a class that plays to their abilities. It is not about them fitting into a regular ballet class. Our classes are adapted so each child, with her unique disability, can succeed."

In order to accomplish these classes, tons of work is put into each one. The room must have a rubber floor and the high school volunteers trained in proper supporting techniques. But for Ms. Ferrara the hours of preparation are worth it. "The biggest reward for me is looking at those smiles! Looking up at the stage after the finale of the recital I think 'things can't get much better than this.'" The young volunteers also benefit from the experience. Each partner forms a bond with her baby ballerina, most working together for several years, and that connection helps them gain pride and confidence.

For the recital this past April, called "Wishes and Dreams," the girls chose to dance Swan Lake and Nutcracker. Tickets are always free and the dancers are encouraged to invite as many people as they want. One young dancer made sixty copies of the invitation and handed them out to everyone she knew.

As anyone who has danced can attest to, when the curtain rises and the stage is washed in light, magic happens. For a small moment in time, humans soar to heavenly heights. Performers become liberated from all worldly concerns and transcend themselves, becoming larger than life. For a small moment in time, a group of little girls abandon the limitations of disease and fly. For at least one night, wishes and dreams do come true.