From Pilot Program to a Growing Community Initiative
Since launching our pilot program in 2025, Own Your Step has expanded its adaptive dance programming across 3 Northern Virginia counties, reaching 44 neurodivergent students through partnerships with 18 schools and community organizations.
To support that growth, OYS has recruited and trained 21 teen adaptive dance instructors to lead small-group sessions designed around student choice, creative expression, participation, and movement confidence.
Our small-group model typically pairs 5–10 students with a lead instructor and two assistant instructors, allowing students to participate at their own comfort level while receiving individualized encouragement and support.
~80% of Students Progressed to Performing Without Insruction
Results From Pilot Program
At the beginning of OYS's 2025 pilot program, several students were hesitant to perform independently and frequently looked toward parents or instructors for reassurance.
Across the program, instructors observed increasing willingness to participate, share movement ideas, and perform in front of others. By the final class, 4 of the 5 students independently performed without requiring an instructor prompt.
