Ep 62 - Building an Inclusive Dance Studio: Scholarships, Special Needs Programs & Student Leadership with Anna Rose
About this episode
Anna Rose discusses building an inclusive dance studio that supports all students, including those with special needs, through scholarships and leadership opportunities.
In this episode of In the Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts, Robin Snyder-Wiencek down with dance educator Anna Rose, founder of Dreamer's Dance Company in Dunedin, Florida, to talk about what it really looks like to build a studio where every student can belong. Anna shares her journey from early training (including seasons where finances were tight) to teaching in public schools, and ultimately growing Dreamer's Dance Company from an after-school program into a thriving studio serving around 380 students. A major focus of the conversation is Dreamer's scholarship model, including the Susan Rose Bonanno Memorial Fund, which supports dancers with financial need through a thoughtful application process and a culture of dignity and fairness. Anna breaks down how the fund is sustained through fundraising events, recital ticket sales, and community contributions, and how work-study opportunities help students build ownership, responsibility, and leadership. We also dive into accessibility for dancers with special needs; how Anna integrates many students into mainstream classes and how her dedicated special needs program is staffed and supported (including trained…
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