The Physio Jazz Program (developed from the FSDA) includes three levels of class for ages 3 to adult that each perform in the recital at the end of the season, the Physio Fitness Program, and the Foster-Schmidt Dance Company (FSDC). Based out of Roswell, GA at Atlanta Dance Central, the program serves students of the North Atlanta Metro area of all needs.
The Foster-Schmidt Dance Academy (FSDA) for students with Down syndrome was developed in 2007 as a weekend workshop, based largely on physical therapy movements and basic jazz dance movements. It grew into a 6-week class based on both dance and visual art therapies. As it grew into a weekly class, it was clear that the community wanted a class that was more dance focused that ended with a recital performance. Now in its 8th year as a weekly class, the Physio Jazz program continues to provide new opportunities and classes for students of all needs.
The Physio Fitness Program was created to help develop and strengthen coordination, balance and functional movements. The warm up progresses each week in order to help build the student’s memory retention and create consistent changes in muscular function. This class is open to students ages 8 and older with all special needs and focuses on developing functional movement, educating dancers about fitness and health, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. A nutritional/fitness component accompanies the class and involves weekly “homework” for dancers, i.e, go for 3 walks this week. This class does not perform in the annual recital.
The Foster-Schmidt Dance Company (FSDC) was founded in 2013 for students who wanted more performance opportunities. Students in the FSDC are required to audition to be a part of this performance company and expected to interact with audience members at community events. FSDC partners with SIDEWAYS Contemporary Dance Company for several performances per year. In 2015, dancers from FSDC and SIDEWAYS traveled to Walt Disney World Resort to take dance class from the cast members and perform their own show at Disney Springs. Future plans for the company include a trip to NYC. For upcoming performances, visit: