The story of Danceability began in January 2007 over a simple dinner between two friends. Christine, a special education teacher and Robin, a Hospice social worker had something in common; they both had been life-long dancers, Robin from age 3, Christine from age 5. As time passed, they both became active in other areas of life, but dance remained a constant. Dance was a retreat, an emotional outlet, a place for friends and laughter, as well as a pleasurable form of exercise. As they entered adulthood, burgeoning careers filled their days and sadly they found little time to pursue their passion for dance.

They both knew that they wanted dance in their lives again; the question was how to combine their love for dance with their desire to reach out to others? Having both been dance instructors in the past, Christine and Robin agreed that there was a gap in dance education. While there were programs for the disabled population, there were none that focused not only on the dancers themselves but their families as well. In their experience Christine and Robin were acutely aware that this was indispensable, in order to best promote the overall physical, social and emotional wellness. This was it! This was going to be their mission; to use their expertise in dance, special education and social work to design a holistic dance program that would not only help the students but help their families as well. Dance would be the catalyst to reach out to those families who were challenged day to day with loved ones with disabilities. They would give them a place for fun and friendship, and to simply relax.

They were off and running. This teacher and social worker spent many long evenings studying and learning the finer points of business plans, budgeting, marketing, leases and building permits, not to mention government documents; all this while maintaining careers. Tirelessly, they burned the midnight oil and began a grass roots campaign to raise money, reaching out in the form of a letter to friends and family asking for small donations to help turn their dream into reality. They spent weekends combing the area looking for a handicap accessible space that would accommodate as many as possible and exclude no one.

Then the grunt work began. They knew it would not be easy, but they also knew that it would be worth it! Family and friends showed up day and night to roll up their sleeves to work elbow to elbow with these girls. Floors were scraped and new ones put in place, walls were painted, a barre was constructed and beneath the dust and fumes a therapeutic, warm, welcoming, user-friendly space was created. Each detail designed around their students and their special needs. Finally, their dream had a home. Now it just needed to be filled with laughter, music and joy.

Christine and Robin had no idea what to expect when they opened their doors. What they saw shocked them; family after family walking through the doors to sign excited students up for dance classes. Now these children would be able to participate in dance classes just like their peers with no fear that they wouldn't measure up. 40 families became part of the danceability dream that evening. And while, you will not see every dancer this afternoon, there are currently nearly 100 families filling the walls of the danceability studio with laughter and music and joy...

Danceability's first year was not without its struggles, from frustration to exhaustion, from confusion to even tragedy; these two friends did indeed move those mountains as their dream had become a reality.