named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Adaptive Dance Classes
Weekly classes in ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop for children ages 3–21 with physical and medical challenges. Classes are adapted by pediatric physical or occupational therapists and held in Bayside, Manhattan, and Plainview.
Annual Performance
Culminating dance recital each spring featuring elaborate sets, multiple costume changes, and performances by all dancers. Open to families and the public with no admission charge.
Community Outreach Program
Uses the book Ballerina Dreams to deliver disability awareness presentations to elementary schools and community groups, promoting tolerance and inclusion.
Teen Leadership Program
Volunteer program for teens ages 13–18 who serve as one-on-one "Helpers" to dancers during classes and performances. Includes semi-annual workshops on leadership and teamwork.
activities · 5 groups
What they do
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Ballet and Dance Education Programs 1 activity
- Adaptive dance classes for children with physical and medical challengesProvides weekly adaptive dance classes for children and youth ages 3–21 with physical and medical challenges, including those with cerebral palsy and spina bifida, taught by pediatric physical or occupational therapists. Classes are offered in three locations across New York: Bayside (Queens), Upper East Side (Manhattan), and Plainview (Long Island), serving up to 125 children.
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Dance Performance and Community Engagement 1 activity
- Annual adaptive dance performance productionHosts an annual culminating performance featuring elaborate sets, multiple costume changes, and professional filming and editing, free of charge for participants and families. The event celebrates dancers, teen volunteers ("Helpers"), and their achievements through a fully produced dance recital.
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Published Narrative Projects 1 activity
- Publication of educational materials on disability and dancePublished the book "Ballerina Dreams" in 2007, recognized as a notable book by the American Library Association, sharing stories of girls with physical disabilities pursuing dance and personal aspirations.
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Youth Leadership Development Programs 1 activity
- Teen Leadership Program for high school volunteersRecruits and trains over 180 high school volunteers from NYC and Long Island in a structured leadership program that includes one-on-one peer support during weekly dance classes and the annual performance. Offers semi-annual workshops focused on leadership development, teamwork, and critical reflection.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Disability awareness education using Ballerina DreamsDelivers disability awareness presentations to elementary school children using the book "Ballerina Dreams" as an educational tool to promote inclusion and understanding of physical disabilities.
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financials · form 990 · fy2025
revenue
Total revenue$432K
Contributions & grants$311K72%
Program service revenue$2K0%
Investment income$38K9%
Other revenue$82K
expenses
Total expenses$462K
Program expenses79%
Admin / overhead16%
Fundraising5%
Salaries & benefits$306K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$998K
Cash$310K
Investments$667K
Liabilities$55K
Net assets$943K
Liquid reserves25.4 mo
6 years on record · 2020–2025 · YoY revenue -17.6%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2025
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JOANN FERRARA | Executive Dir. | 30 | $72K |
board members · 6
- CATHLEEN TRAUTWIG — President
- JOE FORGIONE — Director
- JUDI EICHLER — Director
- PATRICIA HASSETT RIBAUDO — Treasurer
- SUMMER DELANEY — Director
- VALERIE ROWE — Secretary
relationships · 11
Who they work with
- Love That Max Partner — Collaborates with Love That Max to share stories of children participating in dance programs.
- Macmillan Partner — Publisher of "Ballerina Dreams," a book about the Dancing Dreams program.
- Mayor’s Office for People With Disabilities Government — Commissioner Victor Calise attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Manhattan program launch.
- Museum of the City of New York Partner — Provided classroom space for Dancing Dreams' expansion to Manhattan.
- NBC Partner — Featured Dancing Dreams in a Nightly News segment.
- New York City Ballet Partner — Jenifer Ringer, a principal dancer with NYC Ballet, has served as an artistic consultant since 2009.
- Newsday Partner — Collaborates with Newsday to share participant stories and program impact.
- Scarsdale High School Partner — Student leaders organized a fundraiser that donated $5,000 to support the Manhattan program expansion.
- Teen Leadership Program Partner — Youth volunteer program that trains and engages teens as "Helpers" to support dancers during classes and performances.
- Walk-N-Rolling With Spina Bifida Partner — Collaborates to share family experiences and resources related to parenting a child with Spina Bifida.
- YCTeen Partner — Collaborates with YCTeen to share volunteer experiences through published articles.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Ability-Focused Inclusive Environmentmethodology: ability-focused-inclusionBy emphasizing what dancers can do rather than their limitations, the organization fosters self-esteem, social connection, and authentic self-expression, because an ability-based, non-judgmental environment promotes empowerment and engagement among children of all abilities.
- Lived Experience Sharing for Family Supportmethodology: lived-experience_sharingBy sharing long-term positive outcomes and personal journeys, the organization helps families cope with a Spina Bifida diagnosis, because hearing authentic stories from those who have lived the experience reduces fear and builds hope for future possibilities.
- Narrative-Based Disability Awareness Educationmethodology: narrative-based_educationBy using storytelling, particularly the book Ballerina Dreams, to teach about disability, the organization promotes empathy and tolerance in schools, because narrative creates relatable, human-centered understanding that shifts attitudes more effectively than factual instruction alone.
- Peer Support Through Youth Leadershipmethodology: peer_support_modelBy pairing teen volunteers one-on-one with dancers who have disabilities, the organization fosters inclusive participation and mutual growth, because peer relationships reduce social isolation and build confidence through shared experience and support.
- Therapeutic Dance Educationmethodology: therapeutic-arts-participationBy integrating dance with physical and occupational therapy, the organization supports medical and developmental goals in children with physical challenges, because structured, adaptive movement led by therapists enables safe participation that builds mobility, confidence, and personal growth.