Studio D: Arts School for All Abilities

Thank you! Thank you for everything!...As the mother of a 6 year old with Down syndrome who has fought tirelessly for full inclusion on every level, I LOVE that you…thought of doing something like this!...Music, dance, and art offer a medium for special needs children to express themselves more easily. That is why I think your program is so amazing! [My daughter] LOVED the class, she told everyone the rest of the weekend that she was a ballerina!

This is an excellent musical theatre class for my child. He has ADHD and regular classroom instruction is a struggle and challenge. Performing arts provide a safe, nonjudgmental place for him to express himself. The Studio D teachers are so talented and patient. We are so happy with and grateful for this class.

While specialized instruction is important for students with disabilities, inclusive arts programming facilitates modes of communication and self-advocacy. Inclusive settings also foster empathy, confidence and a sense of belonging among typical peers. VSA Orange County applauds Segerstrom Center’s Studio D for their efforts to provide high quality arts programming for artists of all abilities.

All of the teachers and volunteers really care about the kids and get to know them individually. Music, song, and dance are so important to a person's development and this program allows my son to experience the arts in a way that he would not be able to do in a typical class.

Thank you for offering my son this experience of Dance & Music class. He doesn’t say much about his experiences but he came home happy – his only comment was ‘you were right, it was a quick class’ – which for him is the highest form of praise, the time seemed short because he was interested and engaged.