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Nashville Ballet

Adaptive Dance

Adaptive Dance: New Perspectives is a universally-accessible dance program created by Occupational Therapist Hannah Mathews, OTD, OTR/L, and Linnea Swarting, former Nashville Ballet company member with adaptive dance education training. This tuition-free program provides an opportunity for children of all abilities to experience the joy of dance while developing body awareness, coordination, and balance in a traditional studio environment.

Parents get the chance to watch their child’s face light up as they grow more confident through learning about and participating in dance. The class curriculum is thoughtfully created by a certified occupational therapist, physical therapist, and professionally trained dancers to promote a holistic approach as our students learn and participate in dance. Our goal is to provide a space that brings joy and nurtures confidence while encouraging increased body awareness, coordination, and strength.

Nashville Ballet is thrilled to host a program that promotes inclusion with the philosophy that dance should be accessible to anyone and everyone.

Class Schedule

Adaptive Dance: New Perspectives is an 10-week program that meets one hour per week for on Saturday afternoons.

Class capacity is limited and requires a brief intake assessment. Enrollment is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and includes 10 class sessions with an occupational therapy practitioner and a Nashville Ballet faculty member. Participants must re-enroll each semester. Previous enrollment does not guarantee your spot in the following semester.

Fall 2026 Dates: September 12 - November 21, 2026 Saturdays at 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.

Interested in enrolling?
Please fill out the form here to be considered for an intake assessment.

Request more information
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Generous Support Provided By:

  • Generous support
  • Generous support

Nashville Ballet is a proud recipient of a Predators Foundation Helper Grant.

Meet The Instructors And Professional Consultants

Hannah Mathews

Adaptive Dance: New Perspectives Founding Instructor/Consultant
Occupational Therapist

Hannah Mathews is an Occupational Therapist in Nashville. She graduated from Belmont University’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program in 2018. Along with her 15 years of dance experience, Hannah attained a minor in dance during her undergraduate studies. Since 2014 she has been dreaming, researching, and developing this inclusive dance program, which came to life in fulfillment of her doctoral project. She is passionate about providing children with inclusive activities in the middle Tennessee community.

Victoria Clerico

School of Nashville Ballet Faculty
Former NB2 Dancer
Occupational Therapist

Victoria danced with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in Canada, Teatrul de Balet Sibiu in Romania, and with Nashville Ballet as a member of NB2. She received her Associate of Applied Science degree from Nashville State Community College and is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. Victoria was certified to teach Adaptive Dance through Boston Ballet's Adaptive Dance Teacher Training Program and is so excited to be part of providing inclusive dance opportunities.

Antonette Arsenault

School of Nashville Ballet Faculty
Greater Lansing Ballet Company, Former Senior Company Member and Soloist
Registered Behavior Technician

Antonette began her formal Vaganova ballet training at the Academy of Dance Arts, in Lansing, Michigan. She was later accepted into the Senior Company with the Greater Lansing Ballet Company, where she danced as a Senior Company Member and a Soloist. Antonette has many years of experience working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Her clientele as an RBT primarily consisted of children diagnosed with Autism. Antonette has completed Boston Ballet School's Adaptive Dance Teacher Training. She is a passionate advocate for inclusive dance education.

Testimonials

“We have been searching for a class for several years… she has fun and doesn’t even realize what a great workout she is getting.”
“Our family is so grateful for this opportunity to fulfill a passion with friends and teachers who understand limitations that most do not.”
“You have shown to all of the children that no matter their limitations that they can participate and have fun… I believe programs like this are vital to our children and community.”
“The class really did help my daughter with her arm strength and range of motion! And selfishly it was a nice opportunity to connect with other special needs parents.”

Frequently Asked Questions ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Our Adaptive Dance classes are universally-accessible and not limited to any specific special need or diagnosis.

Please fill out the interest form towards the top of the page. When spaces open up, we will email everyone on that list.

Appropriate class attire consists of black leggings with a plain white t-shirt or Nashville Ballet t-shirt. Dance tights and a leotard are also appropriate. We ask that your child wears ballet slippers, supportive shoes with braces, or is barefoot. Your child’s safety is our priority!