Traveling dance crew for children with special needs helps them break out of their shells

Since her son Ryen was diagnosed with autism at the age of four, Crystal Goodrum has hard time coming to terms with his disorder.

” I was always trying to get him to fit into our world. And now it’s just more like me trying to fit into his, ” said Goodrum .

Thanks to the Calipatria Pal Program that includes sports like baseball and soccer for children with special needs, Goodrum has met parents who’ve been in her shoes.

” It’s awesome because you know you’re not the only one. And you get to see other points of views of mothers and just come together and just talk about what’s going on at home. What’s going on when we’re in public. ”

Now a new traveling dance crew for children with special needs is the latest outlet for children like Ryen to be themsleves .

Goodrum added, ” One thing I learned about Ryen is he’ll just be him. And that’s what I love you know. No fear, no nothing. He’s just being him. ”

Program coordinator, Jacqueline Riddell said that for the parents it’s a small victory whenever their child is able to break out of their shell.

” These little moments are huge. Cause a lot of times we don’t see ourselves ever experiencing those things because of our kids having anxiety issues. ”

But choreographer, Sylvia Chavez said it takes patience.

” If we don’t ease them in, they’ll shut down. They’ll shutdown. So we need to be able to have them feel comfortable and trust us in the process, ”

Riddell said the dance crew has support from city officials and will practice at the Calipatria community center.

” We need out city to back us. We’re creating this wave of inclusion for our kids. And we’re hoping that our small is setting that trend and from here home hopefully more cities do more programs for our special kids, ” said Riddell .

The last day to register for the traveling dance crew is September 29.

Anyone interested can email Riddell here.