Matheny student Bianca Mathis finds herself right in the middle of a Dance Innovations performance during a recent visit by the dance group to Matheny.

The talented dancers from Dance Innovations (DI) perform at a variety of venues such as retirement homes, hospitals, schools and fundraising events. Fortunately, Matheny is a regular destination on the Dance Innovations schedule, and during a recent visit our students and patients enjoyed watching the performances and visiting with the dancers.

DI is an organization dedicated to bringing the passion of dance to all areas of the community. Its studio in Chatham, NJ, provides instruction in a variety of dance styles and levels, offering more than 125 classes to choose from. Its school has classes ranging from beginner through advanced and the curriculum includes classical and contemporary ballet, pointe, modern, Broadway jazz and hip-hop, among others.

From left, Arts Access dance facilitator and Innovations dance instructor Heather Johdos, holding one of Yasin’s paintings; Yasin Reddick; and Deb Starker, president of the Madison Arts and Cultural Alliance.

Matheny student Yasin Reddick received a Kids For Kids Fine Arts Scholarship from the Dance Innovations Performance Foundation. The scholarship is presented to individuals with special needs to help pursue their interest in the arts.

Yasin is active in Matheny’s Arts Access Program, which enables people with disabilities to create fine art, assisted by professional artist-facilitators. Dance Innovations, located in Chatham, NJ, is a studio for dance and the performing arts. Its dance students often perform at Matheny.