From January through April this year, Girl Scout Lizzy Stahelek organized dance parties for children of all ages with special needs as part of a service project in conjunction with pursuing the Girl Scout Silver Award. The dances were so successful that Lizzy has decide to continue the parties this fall.
The dance parties, themed "Everybody In," will be held at Grove United Methodist Church, 490 W. Boot Road, West Chester. Dances will be held several times each month beginning on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 to 11 a.m.
Lizzy's younger sister, Ally, who has special needs, was the inspiration for the project. "Kids can dance their own way and enjoy the music in their own way," said Lizzy. "The kids will not have to follow dance steps; it will be a dance party."
Lizzy said that between 16 and 20 participants attended the dances held earlier this year. They were accompanied by volunteers, including Lizzy's friends and family members as well as members of the Best Buddies organization.
In addition to dancing, the parties include special features such as the limbo, conga lines and parachute games. Participants can also play with balloons and hula hoops. "It will be same thing, but with new music and new some fun ideas," said Lizzy.
The church provides the space free of charge. "We want to thank the Grove Church for their generosity," said Lizzy's mother, Margaret. "They have been really good to work with."
Margaret shared that Everybody In provides a place for youngsters, like Ally, to enjoy dancing in a comfortable, safe place without having to learn any formal dance steps. "There wasn't a place for someone like our daughter, so Lizzy wanted to create something where everyone can participate," she explained. "(The dances are) great. We love them, and we can't for them to start."
Lizzy received her Silver Award certificate this summer, and a formal ceremony will be held in February 2020. Even though her project is done, she decided to continue the dances for the benefit of her sister and others. "There's no reason to stop them," she stated. "People still want to come and have fun."
After the opening event on Sept. 28, upcoming dances will be held on Oct. 12 and 26; Nov. 16 and 23; Dec. 14; Jan. 18, 2020; Feb. 1 and 22, 2020; and March 7 and 21, 2020. It is not necessary to register for the events, and participants can attend as many dance parties as they choose.
All attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian who must stay with them during the hourlong session. Siblings are welcome. Dancers are encouraged to bring bottled water or other beverages. The church is handicapped-accessible.
For more information about the dance parties, readers may email lizzy.stahelek@gmail.com, visit http://www.lizzystahelek.wixsite.com/everybodyin or search for "Everybody In" on Facebook.
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