Adaptive Dance Classes for children with special needs!

"We have loved Darby’s Dancers! I appreciate how the staff always encourages my daughter to join the group but also gives her the freedom to explore. She’s made some new friends and has also been able to work on her social and school skills - introducing herself to new people, waiting her turn, and listening to instructions. The staff at DAA has been phenomenal - patient, caring, enthusiastic, and making sure that every child who wants to participate is able to participate."
Jennifer R.
 Darby’s Dancers is a 501(c)(3) organization founded by the parents of Darby Jones of Huntsville, Alabama. Darby’s Dancers provides an opportunity for children with special needs to participate in the performing arts through dance education. 

Darby's Dancers learn all types of dance in a fun, encouraging atmosphere. Dancers in the program gain confidence, coordination, strength and lifelong friends, all while feeling like a star.  Darby's Dancers also provides volunteer opportunities for teens. Youth volunteers learn important lessons in responsibility and friendship by providing one-on-one assistance to each of Darby's dancers.

The charitable contributions of youth volunteers, local businesses and the community allow Darby's Dancers to provide dance classes, supplies and costumes to dancers with special needs at a low cost to their parents.

Class times for the school year season (Sept-May)

Darby's "Middles" (approx. ages 7-11) Saturday 9:00-9:30 or Saturday 9:30-10:00

Darby's Dancers "Littles" (approx. ages 3-6) Saturday 9:30-10:00

​Darby's Dancers "Bigs" (ages 12-up) Saturday 10:00-10:30

Cost: $12 per month to support the national organization. All costumes and class attire are covered through fundraising efforts.
"Darby’s Dancers has been so much fun for my daughter. She enjoyed dancing, and started asking a while back if she could take a dance class. She struggles with body awareness and being able to copy dance movements, so I knew that she would not be able to perform at the level expected for her age. I was so excited when I saw a flier for Darby’s Dancers, and love seeing the joy on Michaela’s face each week at class. 
It's hard knowing that your child is different from most, and because of this there will be things in life that they might never experience, so having the opportunity to let My daughter do something that brings her happiness makes me happy also."
Amanda B.
"Darby’s Dancer is a fun program and our 10- year old daughter, Ayla, certainly enjoys it. It’s been great to watch her attend classes, gain confidence and interact with the other student dancers. The atmosphere of inclusion and positivity generates excitement and she looks forward to class weekly. The instructors are fun, kind and patient to re-direct and include her and each child during the class. It’s been a rewarding experience for us and we are grateful for the time and talents of those at Dance Art Academy and the big hearts which make this program possible!"
Ryan & Heidi
"My daughter is fairly mellow but she has loved being a part of Darby’s Dancers. She loves to talk about dance. It has really been such a blessing for our family. Nobody wants to watch their kiddo get left out. Darby’s Dancers has given our daughter something that she is a special part of and not seen as a “weak” link. She is valued and treated with love and kindness. We are so happy that we signed her up."
​Heather D.

Thank you to our sponsors: