BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 A local dance program is proving that disability does not limit talent.
ADAPTIdance \u201cUNSTOPPABLE\u201d brings dancers of all abilities to the Fox Theater this Sunday. Here\u2019s why this performance is so special.<\/p>\n
The music is loud. The moves are sharp, and every step tells a story.<\/p>\n
Lexie Clark is an ADAPTIdancer, and she tells me,
Madi: \u201cWhat is your favorite part about dance?\u201d
Lexie: \u201cWell, dance is great.\u201d
Madi: \u201cWhy is dance great?\u201d
Lexie: \u201cBecause I have fun and I learn in dance.\u201d
Madi: \u201cYou\u2019ve learned a lot in ADAPTIdance?\u201d
Lexie: \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n
ADAPTIdances \u201cUNSTOPPABLE\u201d is a fully produced performance featuring Kern County\u2019s only curriculum-based adaptive dance program \u2014 designed for individuals with intellectual, cognitive, and physical disabilities. Lexie is just one of these performers.<\/p>\n
Marcie Hronis is the President of Kern Dance Alliance and she tells me, \u201cLexie has been a part of ADAPTIdance for several years now, and she is not only a class leader but a dedicated student. She is always focusing on her skill set and memorizing her choreography. She is a beautiful performer, and I am so excited to be able to watch her.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lexie has been dancing since she was 4 years old and now she\u2019s 11 \u2014 but it wasn\u2019t an easy journey for her. \u201cWhen my little girl started at 4 years old, she was nonverbal, and now she communicates so well. She loves dance \u2014 she\u2019s been doing it six years, and it just lights up our kid\u2019s life. It gives her something to look forward to.\u201d Melissa Clark, the mother of Lexie, said. <\/p>\n
For Lexie, this moment means everything. And after months of practice, she\u2019ll get the chance to take the big stage. \u201cDance makes me feel good a lot!\u201d She said. <\/p>\n
The show includes ballet, hip hop, and jazz. Organizers \u2014 and Lexie \u2014 say their goal is to sell out the venue, giving these dancers the full house they deserve.<\/p>\n
ADAPTIdance \u201cUNSTOPPABLE\u201d takes the stage Sunday at 3 p.m. at the historic Bakersfield Fox Theater. <\/p>\n