Healing Arts for Kids

“I believe that Young Audiences’ Healing Arts for Kids is a program that has inestimable value for children with a wide range of illnesses. It is an investment that in my opinion enhances their lives and humanizes their therapeutic environments and experiences.”

“When the Kennedy Day School hosts a AFLMA performance, the excitement and energy in the school are palpable. Beginning with teachers and therapists preparing their students for the visiting artists and lasting long after the performance is complete, this is a very special opportunity for our school. As most of our students have significant physical and intellectual disabilities, with some from underserved communities, access to public performances is limited. Because your performers adapt their program to the needs of our school population, a live performance is not only possible; it is specially designed to meet our students’ needs. The community building that results from this shared experience, as a school is invaluable.”

“The musical and dance performances you brought to Cotting School were just phenomenal. In both performances we were able to connect to curriculum through multiple access points. Students were engaged and still talk about the performances. Just this fact alone means a great deal! All too often assembly opportunities are seen as moments. With these two performances by Manguito and IllStyle & Peace, students will remember and cherish their time with the performers. Much thanks to all who made it possible to bring the arts into our school.”

“The performers inspired our children so much that those who could walk, stood up and danced, and those in wheelchairs were smiling, happy to clap their hands, shake their heads and vocalize to follow the melody...”

“An adolescent, who is generally reluctant to participate in group activities and rarely takes a leadership role, consistently volunteered, allowing him to express himself through movement and become a leader/role model for his peers. This was particularly meaningful for him as a student who is non-ambulatory and who primarily uses a communication device to interact with others.”

“My student loved the performance! She was working with her Physical Therapist and ended up standing or dancing for the whole thirty-minute session. And then she continued to dance with a classroom staff member for fifteen minutes more, which was a lot of standing for her!!”

“The Dance Therapy Residency allowed students from our youngest to our oldest classrooms to be with each other in ways that are not typically possible. Bringing together preschool through high school age students with a variety of movement abilities reinforced the larger sense of school community. Priscilla’s thoughtful approach reached students of all ability levels, meeting their cognitive, social, emotional needs and movement capabilities. Everyone was given a way to participate allowing all to join together as one group. The opportunity for individuals to create unique movements and dance patterns, to share these with others, and to have these affirmed and acknowledged was a powerful experience for students and staff.”

• “Musicians did a wonderful job following students’ lead and meeting each group and individual where they were.” 

• “The performers were engaging and proactive about getting students involved and it worked perfectly!” 

• “All students were involved with trying out instruments and participating!” 

• “We look forward to more performances!”