About Dancing Dreams

Dancing Dreams started in 2002 as a dream....

The dream of little girls to put on a tutu and glitter -- and dance just like other little girls.

But despite their dreams, these little girls were not able to dance like their friends and sisters. They had physical and medical challenges that prevented them from joining classes in their community.

In 2002, Dancing Dreams was started by Joann Ferrara, a pediatric physical therapist, to make the dreams of these girls come true. The program has grown from the initial 5 girls to the current group of 28, ranging in age from 3 to 16.

Each dancer has a "helper" -- a high school student who is trained to assist her dancer during class.

Each year culminates in a recital -- a celebration of achievement. There is never a charge for the performances, as friends, family and classmates are invited to join in this special day.

There is a voluntary contribution for classes, and no child is ever turned away for inability to pay.

Dancing Dreams is based on abilities -- not disabilities -- allowing each dancer to progress within her own limits and maximize her own potential.

Dancing Dreams has been featured on the Today Show, CBS Early Show, NBC and Fox News, as well as in The New York Times, Ladies Home Journal and People magazine.

A book about the program, titled Ballerina Dreams, was published by Macmillian in October 2007. The book has been designated a "Notable Book" by the American Library Association and has won the Bank Street Nonfiction Book Award.

Dancing Dreams is a nonprofit organization.