What is Dancers Without Limits?
Dancers Without Limits is a nonprofit dance program for children, teens and adults with disabilities. Students meet once a week and learn a variety of dance styles side-by-side with their peers who are active studio dancers. Performance opportunities are provided throughout the year to share their talent and inspire others to Dancers Without Limits.
Our Mission
The mission of Dancers Without Limits is to provide positive, fun year-round dance training for children, teens and adults with disabilities as they learn side-by-side with active studio dancers. Students discover strengths, abilities and lifelong friendships. Combining dance training for students with disabilities alongside active studio dancers fosters an environment for both to grow in ways they wouldn't otherwise.
The Power of Dance
Dance has the ability to transform lives teaching discipline, self confidence, coordination, social skills, sportsmanship, friendships, builds physical strength, and enhances mental health. Dance is exercise for your body and brain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, scientists have found that the areas of the brain that control memory and skills improve with exercise, and dance has the added benefit of incorporating rhythm, balance, music and social interactions.
How We Started
Ava Leavitt, founder of Dancers Without Limits and a student at Farmington High School, created the program in September 2023 when she became friends with a classmate, Sarah, who has Down Syndrome. Sarah and Ava quickly bonded over their shared love of dance.
When Ava learned that Sarah always dreamed of taking dance, but couldn't find a program for dancers with disabilities, she connected with Sarah's mom and friends and offered to teach a free weekly class. It quickly expanded from one student to 20, so Ava recruited dancers from her studio to assist as partners in class.
Friendships formed and the weekly class transformed into a life shaping experience. Studio dancers volunteering their time (while still training 25+ hours a week) found a new joy and outlook as they experienced dance and life through a different lens. Parents of the students with disabilities noticed there was a unique excitement to attend class because their student could feel the genuine friendships that were formed, in addition to their student dancing as a equal among the studio dancers. The weekly class became a critical component of fulfillment and happiness for student and dance partner alike.
Jana Monson, owner of Creative Arts Academy (Bountiful, UT), supported Ava in the development of Dancers Without Limits, donating studio space and arranging mentoring from instructors with extensive backgrounds in special education programs.
Get Involved
Dancers Without Limits provides students with disabilities opportunities to learn alongside their peers and perform in a variety of settings.
Our students have trained with the Davis High School D'Ette drill team, and performed at a benefit dance concert to raise money for a local dancer with cancer. Each experience brings growth and inspiration.
The Dancers Without Limits business model provides the knowledge and tools necessary to seamlessly begin a partner program in other locations.
Contact us to volunteer time, resources, performance options, make donations, or to request a program near you.
Ava Leavitt
Founder, Dancers Without Limits
Ava Leavitt is 17-years-old and a student at Farmington High School. She started dancing at 3-years-old and trains 25 hours a week at Creative Arts Academy (Bountiful, Utah) in ballet, ballroom, jazz, contemporary and hip hop (her favorite style).
In September 2023, Ava created Dancers Without Limits when she became friends with a classmate, Sarah, who has Down Syndrome. Sarah and Ava bonded over their shared love of dance. When Ava learned that Sarah always dreamed of taking dance, but couldn't find a program for dancers with disabilities, she offered to teach a free weekly class. The class quickly grew from one student to 20 and continues to expand with requested partner programs.
Ava was part of the Farmington High School Nixelle drill team for two years before deciding to go back to her love of studio training and competing at national conventions with her teammates and training with renowned instructors.
Ava enjoys spending time in Key West, Florida where she goes deep sea fishing, snorkeling and kayaking. In her limited downtime she loves trying new hobbies like snow skiing and waterskiing. After high school, Ava plans to attend college and serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.