Center Stage is proud to offer classes for kids (ages 2 & up) and adults with diverse needs and abilities. Our special needs classes are a supportive and celebratory environment where our students thrive! Each class is adapted based on the students’ needs, and we ensure our dancers get individual attention from their teacher and peer helpers that are integrated into every class.

The special needs program is taught by Candie Schwaner, whose passion is personal. Candie’s  brother Tony, who has Down Syndrome, expressed a desire to dance and this program was created over 15 years ago. Since then, over 100 kids and adults have discovered their passion for dance and made countless friends along the way.  Candie has a Masters degree in Special Education from Elmhurst College and B.A. in Dance from Columbia that have trained her well to serve students with diverse learning styles and abilities.

Each year, our special needs students perform in either the annual recital or through our Performing Troupe which dances 5 times between Jan-June in the community.  For more information about our special needs classes, contact us.