Community Outreach Programs

REFLEX is committed to expanding dance and arts awareness in our community and seeks opportunities to inspire and support fellow organizations that enrich the lives and build character of area youth. Please browse some of our offerings, and pass the information to any group you believe would enjoy a free dance awareness seminar designed to reinforce the mission and goals of the organization.

GIRL SCOUT DANCE AWARENESS SESSIONS

ReFLEX invites area brownie and girl scout troops to join us for a complimentary 90 minute private dance seminar to explore movement. Let a seasoned dance teacher (and former girl scout leader) guide the girls in dance exercises and activities that fulfill the requirements of their dance badge or tryit. (We do not supply the badges, but the girls will receive a certificate of dance achievement and leaders may order the badges for their next awards ceremony.)

After the lesson, there is time for a snack and a question/answer session, and leaders are invited to use this time to complete troop business as well. Leaders can schedule a ReFLEX Girl Scout Dance Awareness seminar by appointment. There is no charge to the troop, (but if you wish to express appreciation, we will always accept a free box of cookies when the season rolls around.)

Though there is no yoga badge, we will be happy to offer a yoga awareness seminar to troops as well (Jr. girl scouts or older) as another way of contributing to the mission of scouting‐ to expanding the horizons and interests of young women today. This seminar fits well into the health and wellness badges offered. ReFLEX also makes it’s studio space available and invites area Girl Scout troops to come as our guest to use the facility for ceremonies or special events.

CLASSES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

REFLEX director, Ginny Hendry, has taught dance to special needs students for over 15 years, primarily working with students with Downs syndrome, but including dancers with MS, autism and other handicaps.

She's lectured on the subject at dance conventions and seminars throughout the country, encouraging studio owners to develop programs that cater to the unique needs of students who would otherwise find dance difficult, spreading the word that handicapped students reap great benefits from dance in the areas of health, coordination and personal satisfaction. An advocate for arts education for all, she authored an article on how to work with dancers with downs syndrome, published in Dance Teacher Now Magazine. REFLEX believes dance is for everyone, and hopes to continue its long tradition of offering classes to students with special needs.

Tuition is free for special needs students. If you know someone who fits this demographic that would enjoy participating in a dance class designed just for them, please call our office.

PARTNERING WITH THE SCHOOLS

REFLEX believes in education through the arts, so it puts a high priority on working hand in hand with area schools to enrich the lives of area youth. As such, the following policies apply: Schools planning a fundraising event that includes a silent auction may contact REFLEX for a contribution.

We offer a certificate for a birthday party (185.00 value) to give as a prize or for auction to assist in their fundraising efforts. REFLEX is proud to participate in school events, such as career day or awards days where a dance lecture or special dance class will inspire children to apply themselves to their studies and/or learn about the arts.

Please call the office to discuss options and schedule a school visit. All Sarasota and Manatee county schoolteachers are invited to take REFLEX adult classes for 15% off tuition. Yoga is a great way to relax and unwind after a full day of teaching, and staying in shape is a great way to prepare for the rigors of instructing our energetic youth. In respect to the important work they do with children (for such little compensation) we also offer a 15% discount on classes for our schoolteacher's children.

CHURCH YOUTH GROUP DANCE SESSIONS

Dance is a celebration of life and what better way to channel youth energy towards a positive outlet than through the life affirming joy of dance and/or yoga. REFLEX invites youth groups from area churches to schedule a complimentary dance awareness session designed to celebrate God and inner spirituality.

As a special treat, or just to add something different to a regularly scheduled meeting, let your group join us for a 1½‐hour private dance class that includes liturgical dance and popular jazz movement set to inspirational Christian music. We promise a fun and entertaining dance event that celebrates Christ with thoughtful movement and conscientious music designed to teach young people that inner grace can be demonstrated in many ways, in solitude, in community service, and sometimes in celebration and dance. Church Youth Group Dance Sessions are complimentary and can be scheduled on Fridays, or on weekends by appointment.