The Chance to Dance: Dance Studio Gives Special Needs Dancers Their Opportunity to Shine

Photos courtesy of Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Learning to dance takes time, interest and effort. It can be hard work, but when that work is FUN, it can feel like PLAY! Newtown Square is blessed with a devoted dance teacher and community special needs advocate, Sheila Turner-Hilliard, whose studio From the Top Dance makes sure fun is part of every class. We’re thrilled that From the Top is an Expert Contributor Sponsor of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine.

For the past 18 years, From the Top’s mission has remained steadfast: To teach dancers of all ages and abilities the fundamentals, techniques and performance of dance and movement with the utmost regard for each student’s individuality and right of self-expression. “I grew up dancing in a studio that felt safe and comfortable, with all the other students, whether they were competitive or recreational dancers,” Sheila explained. “At a very formative time in my life, it was helpful to have such an outlet to be able to express myself, and I am proud that From the Top does that for our next generation of dancers.”

In 2006, Sheila was asked by Ceil Matthews, a teacher with Marple Newtown High School’s Life Skills Program, to start a special needs dance class. Sheila enthusiastically agreed. “At that time,” Ceil explained, “I had a class of predominantly juniors and seniors with learning difficulties, poor social and communication skills and a lack of confidence in their physical abilities,” she said. “I thought it would be a good idea if they had dance lessons to bolster their self-esteem and learn a few moves for their upcoming proms.”

Sheila began teaching with a few fun props, a positive attitude and her portable CD player. Ceil recalled, “I had prepared my students for her visit, but most of them wanted no part of this activity. But after just a few minutes, Sheila had them laughing, clapping and trying new moves.”

Sheila said that the success of the program is grounded in trust, understanding and good music. “Music has a way of connecting us and allowing us to express how we feel without saying a word,” Sheila explained. “I made sure that my students felt safe with me and that no matter their limitations, they could trust that I would be their biggest fan.” Ceil said that the highlight of that year was watching her students dance the night away at the prom. “Sheila helped open up a whole new world of confidence, risk-taking and socialization. We like to call her our Dancing Queen.”

Word started to spread around the special needs community about From the Top’s dance classes. “We welcome dancers of all abilities into all of our dance classes at the studio,” said Sheila, “but I learned there was a need and a desire from groups of special needs teens and adults who attend day programs.” Those groups include students with a wide range of physical and intellectual challenges. “I have dancers with Down Syndrome and Autism, but I also teach students with Cerebral Palsy, traumatic brain injuries and a host of other challenges,” she explained. “Some of my dancers are verbal, some are not. Some are in wheelchairs or use walkers. And some wear noise-canceling headphones. In my classes, we adapt and embrace our differences.”

Since 2006, Sheila has worked with five different special needs programs in Delaware County. She partners with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, Community Interactions, Inc., AALIVE, and the Father Bill Atkinson Service Corps. She also hosts her own open enrollment class on Saturday mornings. “It is by far the most rewarding and fun part of my day,” she said proudly. “Our dance classes are more like dance parties, where I am free to express myself just as much as my students. Some of them would probably say I tend to express myself a little too much!”

Sheila has been recognized for her work in the special needs community. In November 2019, she was nominated by her students for the “Rose for Toni” award sponsored by AALIVE, an organization that offers adults with autism opportunities for socialization and awareness. She was also the recipient of Marple Newtown High School’s PEPPER award for her positive influence and commitment to her students in the Marple Newtown School District.

Recently, Sheila began working with the Father Bill Atkinson Service Corps, teaching dance at the Haverford Community Recreation and Environmental Center (CREC). Founding member Mary Beth Malloy’s son Michael participates in those dance classes. “The Dance with Sheila class builds everyone’s confidence, all while getting a fantastic workout. The corps members, staff and volunteers all join in on the fun,” Mary Beth said. “But most importantly, Sheila gives the corps members the opportunity to express themselves through dance in a community setting that is so rewarding and meaningful.”

To learn more about From the Top’s special needs classes, call the studio at 610-353-2623 or email Sheila at Info@FromTheTopDance.com.