It’s been a long time since I’ve blogged. I was going through some personal things. But now, I’m back.
There is one thing about me that most people don’t know: I love to dance. I’ve been a closet dancer since I was a kid. I used to dance alone in my room and make choreographies, but I didn’t go to any dance school. I used to mimic the choreographies from the old Venezuelan TV show “El Club de Los Tigritos”. I always wanted to learn to dance, but because I was reminded of my poor motor skills, I didn’t up until now. Now I’m taking jazz ballet and classic ballet/modern. I started with jazz ballet at first a few years ago. I even danced during a recital! It was a challenge, but it was fun. I always wanted to learn classic ballet, but I was advised not to take it, but to take modern instead. Well, I persisted and I’m taking classic ballet now, but combined with modern.
Dancing brings a few challenges as well. Coordination, balance and timing are the main challenges here. But for me, as an autistic woman, I struggle with all three. But I keep pressing on. It takes time to process the choreographies, but I can do them pretty well after a couple of weeks. I love to learn the dance glossary. I love the fact that the ballet glossary is in French. You learn words like: plié, degage, grand battement, arabesque, etc. The most challenging position for me is the fifth position, shown below.

Ballet has helped me improve my posture and it helped me with exercising. And ballet helped me with more choreography ideas!
Here are some tips for dance teachers:
- If you have an autistic child or children or adult(s) in your class, please make sure that you let them take time to process the entire choreography.
- Explain and show bit by bit what exactly you’re going to do.
- Keep in mind that the autistic person may become frustrated with the progress. Check up on that autistic person. And if there’s need for correction, show exactly what you want to correct, for instance a higher leg kick or how to hold the barre correctly.
- Make sure the autistic person is at ease. A steady routine must be followed and tell the autistic person ahead of time that the music will be loud. And if the autistic person must stand in a certain position, please move her or him away from the speakers.
And this is for the parents: If your child wants to learn ballet, let your child learn. Call the dance school to make an appointment for your child to watch the class before joining.
I believe dancing is a way to stim. You move your body in so many ways. Keep calm and dance on, even when the music stops.