Dance performance ‘an incredible experience’
by Jim Crawford

Special needs people are just that–special.

They’re full of love and eager to please.

Those who teach and mentor special needs people are special, too.

It takes a special, patient, understanding person to be able to effectively help special needs folks make the transition into mainstream society with minimum hassle.

Kenda Newbury and her sidekick, Katherine McDonnell, are two such people who are taking an active part in teaching a group of special needs students how to dance.

That’s right, dance.

Newbury, the artistic director and choreographer of AZDance Group teaches a weekly class to about 17 dancers with various developmental disabilities and the results are amazing.

“I have students with Down Syndrome, autistic students and students who are physically challenged,” Newbury says. “The results have been phenomenal. I’ve got students who have gone from downcast eyes to alert and focusing. Some of them speak now who wouldn’t before.

They’ve become more mobile. It’s just wonderful to see the results.”

The class is called Movement E‑Motion and was established in 2005.

“We got our first grant from the Molly Lawson Foundation through the Arizona Community Foundation,” Newbury says. “I’ve done classes like this before but never on this scale. I believe these people touch us more than we touch them.”

Many of Newbury’s dancers come from One Step Beyond, a school for special needs students.

“I want to expand this program throughout the area. I’d like a lot more participants to get involved.”

Kay Greenfield’s daughter, Desiree, 19, is a member of the class and loves it.

“I think it’s wonderful to give the children the opportunity to participate in something like this,” Greenfield says. “It’s really built Desiree’s confidence. She loves to be on stage. She was very anxious to come. I don’t think any of these kids need to be coaxed to come here.”

McDonnell has only been involved with the program for a short time.

“Since October,” she says. “The previous helper moved to Florida and Kenda asked me to take her place. I told her I just didn’t have time. I questioned whether I’d have the patience for this. The job I had just wasn’t working out, so I decided to give this a shot. It takes a lot of energy. I found out real quick that, yes, I do have the patience for these kids. I’m enjoying it a lot.

“They have a very high level of comprehension both physically and verbally. It’s amazing. There’s a certain amount of pride in what they do. I’ve overheard conversations and they consider themselves a notch above those who don’t dance.”

It’s not all about dancing, Newbury says.

“We warm up. We stretch. We teach them about healthy living, the value of nutrition and exercise. How important water is and healthy eating.”

The class covers ballet, jazz and modern dance.

“This group will appear in our Christmas Dance Concert in Act II. Their segment is called Christmas Time,” Newbury says.

The group’s Christmas Dance Concert will be held on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1‑2 in Anthem.

If audience reaction is any indication, Newbury and her helpers can give themselves a pat on the back for a job well‑done.

“I’ve had people come up to me with tears streaming down their faces to tell me how much the performances touched their hearts. We’ve had standing ovations. When we perform, everybody shows up. It’s an incredible experience for everyone who sees them.”