WINNING PROJECT FOR THE 2020 PEAK ARTS PRIZE
WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL
INCLUSIVE & SENSORY-FRIENDLY FAMILY CONCERTS WITH MUSIC AND DANCE
The Chamber Orchestra of the Springs & The Colorado Ballet Society
WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL
INCLUSIVE & SENSORY-FRIENDLY FAMILY CONCERTS WITH MUSIC AND DANCE
The Chamber Orchestra of the Springs & The Colorado Ballet Society
What Makes You Different Makes You Beautiful: Inclusive Family Concerts with Music and Dance
The Chamber Orchestra of the Springs and the Colorado Ballet Society have a long history of collaboration, bringing music and dance together in the Pikes Peak region. Both strive to serve our community by continuing the quest to be more inclusive through longstanding programs for the elderly, families below the poverty level, veterans, individuals battling illnesses at various stages and more.
Together, both organizations provide a feast for our senses through the arts. But what happens when artistic feasts are served to those with sensory sensitives, where social events can turn into distress and judgement quickly takes over?
Advocates are calling for arts organizations to offer sensory-friendly opportunities to serve the fastest growing developmental disability in our country, ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, individuals with disabilities are statistically underrepresented in arts audiences. We believe that we can do better and that music and dance are for everyone.
The Chamber Orchestra and the Colorado Ballet Society are proposing a new Family Series for both the general public as well as with sensory friendly adjustments, welcoming individuals with autism, sensory sensitivities, and other disabilities. The message will be it is ok to be exactly who you are and experience the immense joys of music and dance in a public setting.
Youth with ASD, Sensory Processing, Post-Traumatic Stress, anxiety, down syndrome, and other sensory, social, and cognitive disabilities have unique and varying needs that often cause them to feel uncomfortable in performances and unable to share the joy of these experiences with family members and caregivers. Studies show that music and dance have a profoundly positive affect on children with disabilities yet there are no inclusive sensory friendly concerts in our community.
The orchestra plans to leverage the expertise of the Autism & Asperger Connections of Colorado and Autism Speaks and use national guidelines to configure the performances in the appropriate sensory-friendly formats.
What is a sensory-friendly event?
At Sensory Friendly performances, sensory modifications are balanced with preserving the engaging artistic experience desired by all.
These are family concerts open to everyone, in a safe, inclusive environment where children and families can experience a quality, meaningful performance together.
We are challenging ourselves and our community to think differently about inclusiveness in the arts!
The Chamber Orchestra of the Springs and the Colorado Ballet Society have a long history of collaboration, bringing music and dance together in the Pikes Peak region. Both strive to serve our community by continuing the quest to be more inclusive through longstanding programs for the elderly, families below the poverty level, veterans, individuals battling illnesses at various stages and more.
Together, both organizations provide a feast for our senses through the arts. But what happens when artistic feasts are served to those with sensory sensitives, where social events can turn into distress and judgement quickly takes over?
Advocates are calling for arts organizations to offer sensory-friendly opportunities to serve the fastest growing developmental disability in our country, ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, individuals with disabilities are statistically underrepresented in arts audiences. We believe that we can do better and that music and dance are for everyone.
The Chamber Orchestra and the Colorado Ballet Society are proposing a new Family Series for both the general public as well as with sensory friendly adjustments, welcoming individuals with autism, sensory sensitivities, and other disabilities. The message will be it is ok to be exactly who you are and experience the immense joys of music and dance in a public setting.
Youth with ASD, Sensory Processing, Post-Traumatic Stress, anxiety, down syndrome, and other sensory, social, and cognitive disabilities have unique and varying needs that often cause them to feel uncomfortable in performances and unable to share the joy of these experiences with family members and caregivers. Studies show that music and dance have a profoundly positive affect on children with disabilities yet there are no inclusive sensory friendly concerts in our community.
The orchestra plans to leverage the expertise of the Autism & Asperger Connections of Colorado and Autism Speaks and use national guidelines to configure the performances in the appropriate sensory-friendly formats.
What is a sensory-friendly event?
At Sensory Friendly performances, sensory modifications are balanced with preserving the engaging artistic experience desired by all.
- Expect a relaxed and gently environment in terms of light and sound, as well as a welcoming attitude that encourages movement and expression.
- Expect fun, interactive music-making with top-rate chamber musicians and dancers
- Expect an environment where manipulatives, headphones, cushions, other sensory support objects are encouraged and a quiet area is available.
- Expect access to pre-visit materials to help families plan ahead of time
These are family concerts open to everyone, in a safe, inclusive environment where children and families can experience a quality, meaningful performance together.
We are challenging ourselves and our community to think differently about inclusiveness in the arts!
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