It’s Saturday morning, and Sarah Mead ‘29 is at her family’s dance studio near campus, leading a class of excited elementary and middle school students. She is assisted by a half-dozen dedicated volunteers who, like Mead, are committed to sharing their love of dance with children who have movement challenges.

“This program is about giving everyone the opportunity to dance,” said Mead. “We provide free classes for students of all abilities–physical, intellectual, and developmental–so they can experience the joy of movement.”

Providing opportunity is what inspired Mead to create her nonprofit, The Chance to Dance. The program offers free classes to children of all abilities so they can move their bodies and learn new things in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.

“The Chance to Dance program empowers students by allowing them to experience the joy of dance,” said Mead. “We believe that every child deserves to move, express themselves, and feel celebrated, no matter their physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges.”

Mead and her twin sister, Hannah, grew up dancing and teaching at their mom’s studio, Dance Works, in Newport News. Sarah saw an opportunity to create a place for inclusive movement where children of all abilities could shine. The Chance to Dance classes include a variety of adaptable activities: circle time, dances featuring colorful scarves, drawing, and other movement-focused, creative activities. The classes are held on most Saturday mornings, and the semesters culminate in dress rehearsals and recitals.

Mead, who intends to major in psychology and minor in childhood studies, navigated a full course load her freshman year while also teaching dozens of students in fall, winter, and spring sessions and fundraising for the program.

“Our classes are completely free to families because we never want to let financial barriers stand in the way of a child’s opportunity to dance. My sister Hannah, my mom, and all our volunteers work to create a safe, inclusive environment where the kids are seen, supported, and celebrated. We always try to keep a one-on-one student ratio so each dancer has someone by their side, cheering them on and helping them to move confidently and safely,” Mead said.

Mead has fully embraced Christopher Newport’s mission of community engagement, service, and leadership. She plans to expand the program so it can be offered to more young people in the community, and hopes to recruit more Captains to volunteer who are as passionate about service, inclusion, and, of course, dance.

“We have some students already volunteering, but I hope to recruit more,” said Mead. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to not only give back to the community but to help our students experience the joy of movement and dance.”