Inclusivity by Design

Creating spaces where every child feels welcome requires intention, education, and ongoing commitment.

At Tutu School, we are proud to have a dedicated Inclusive Program Lead whose role is focused on helping ensure our classrooms, curriculum, and community experiences are accessible, welcoming, and supportive for dancers of all abilities.

By partnering with studio teams, families, and educators, this work helps us continually learn, grow, and expand opportunities for children to participate in the joy of ballet in ways that honor their individual needs and strengths.

Our Inclusive Program Lead, Aubrey, also serves as a hands-on resource for Tutu School studios across the country. When a studio is preparing to welcome a dancer with unique needs, owners and teachers can partner directly with her through individualized training calls, working sessions, and ongoing consultation. Together, they discuss a child’s strengths, communication styles, mobility considerations, sensory needs, and learning preferences to ensure the teaching team feels confident and prepared. The goal is never to create a separate experience, but rather to thoughtfully adapt instruction so every dancer can participate meaningfully alongside their peers. By equipping our teachers with tools, strategies, and support, we help create classrooms where all children can experience the joy, confidence, creativity, and sense of belonging that ballet has to offer.

Aubrey, Tutu School’s Inclusive Program Lead, explains:

“My first experience teaching dancers of all abilities began in high school. I will never forget watching one of the amazing dancers with cerebral palsy lift her blue scarf high as she performed her first port de bras. I saw a light of magic in her smile as she found herself belonging; I saw a tear in her mother’s eye as she witnessed a new confidence blooming, and I saw a dancer find a new, beautiful way of expression that would soon become a passion.

I truly feel that the magic of inclusion I witnessed so long ago is the same magic that lights up our Tutu Schools today. Not only does this inclusion brighten each of our dance floors, but it connects dancers of all abilities to this beautiful storyline of friendship, advocacy, adventure, and acceptance, all while sharing a twirl. I truly feel like I am living a dream as I get to chase after championing every dancer that is welcomed through our doors.”

As one parent shared:

“Our time with Miss Aubrey for ballet has been such a wonderful experience. My daughter has Down syndrome and we have tried ballet at other locations without success. From the day we walked in the door, we have felt welcomed, loved and included by Miss Aubrey and friends in our class. Miss Aubrey creates an environment in class that makes everyone feel included. During warm-ups, all the dancers sit in a circle for stretches. Miss Aubrey will ask each girl a question (ex: what is your favorite color) and each dancer gets to answer. My daughter has difficulty with communication, but Miss Aubrey is patient and will usually give her a choice of 2 or 3 to allow her to still participate in the activity. She is excellent at adapting activities to fit all skill levels. For example, when teaching leaps Miss Aubrey instructed a dancer in a wheelchair to propel herself forward forcefully, simulating a leaping motion. This allowed the dancer to participate in the instruction of leaps during class. I feel that Miss Aubrey is one of my daughter’s biggest cheerleaders in ballet. She celebrates every attempt at positions, dance moves, leaps, etc. like it was done perfectly. That really boosts a child’s self-esteem and makes them want to keep trying their best. The most important piece that nearly brings tears to my eyes every week is how much Aubrey treats my daughter like every other girl in the class. I believe that because of her attitude towards my daughter, the other dancers also include and communicate with my daughter like she is one of them. The other dancers do not seem to miss a beat with her being in class with them, they do not\ seem to see her as any “different.” We love and support Miss Aubrey and her dreams to include dancers of all abilities!” – Amanda Thompson”

Stories like these remind us that inclusion is not about asking children to fit a particular mold. It’s about creating an environment where every child can experience belonging, build confidence, and participate meaningfully alongside their peers.

This commitment is woven throughout the Tutu School experience. Whether a child is taking their very first ballet class, participating in a community event, celebrating a birthday, or performing in a Bravo Bash, our goal remains the same: to ensure every dancer feels seen, valued, and empowered to participate as their authentic self.