Yes I Can Dance - Second Book

After teaching a wonderful dance and movement program at Riverpark Community Center in Naples, Florida, a second book was, 'born'. The students who were in this wonderful program, were a varied group. Some of the students had exceptionalities and had never participated in Dance. Others had no exceptionalities but tended to these heroes in such wonderful ways. Students in wheel chairs danced. Students with Autism and Down's Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy...danced.

The second book needed an extremely sensitive Illustrator. I found this Illustrator by referral from a wonderful musician and friend, Kelly Bryan and Edward Stripling created paintings that will be used for this second book. Ed captured the moments with these heroes perfectly and sensitively and we are now three chapters from completing this new book.

The movement that we all take for granted, from typing this blog to stepping out of bed each morning, is not reality to so many people.

To experience the flight of dance and the 'flight' of song has never been experienced by many.

I hope to be able to expand this program so that many, even though confined, will be able to experience this joy.

The 'Yes I Can' Course at Florida Gulf Coast University thrives, with sections filled with a waiting list.

Guest Speakers, like Ms. Kathy Grey, Managing Editor of Bella Magazine and parent to two children with exceptionalities and collaboration with the Service Learning Department Director, Ms. Jessica Rhea, connect students to the reality of what can be done to assist.

Dr. Maria Roca, Chair of the Integrated Studies/ Humanities Department at Florida Gulf Coast University who allowed me to originally create this course is a constant source of encouragement as we see how this course is truly changing academic awareness.