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Mickey Cassella, Children's Director of Physical Therapy, was recently honored by the Boston Celtics as one of the Heroes Among Us. Cassella received the award during a Celtics game for establishing the Adaptive Dance Program for children with Down syndrome at the Boston Ballet.
The Adaptive Dance Program is a successful joint venture between Boston Ballet and Children's. Now in its sixth year, the program uses ballet and dance to enhance movements, improve coordination, fitness, balance, focus, and listening for children with Down syndrome. The program was conceived by Cassella who, for more than 30years, has been searching for ways to help kids with physical disabilities. Taught by renowned Boston Ballet instructors, the program fosters a love of dance, creative expression, and boosts children’s self-esteem and self-expression. It began in 2002 as a pilot project with 11 children, and has blossomed to 49 students ranging in ages from 7- to 18-years-old.
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