Where dance meets real life
A ONE-OF-A-KIND PROGRAM
Life Skills in Motion: An 8-Week Dance + Occupational Therapy Series for Kids Ages 8-12
Blending dance instruction with occupational therapy, we can help children of all abilities build everyday skills. Think tying shoes, getting dressed, making friends, and managing big feelings, all through joyful, creative movement in the welcoming environment MOVE is known for.
This isn't your typical dance class, and it's not your typical OT session either. It's something better than both.
At home activities and individual evaluations provided throughout the series
Who: Children ages 8-12 with disabilities
When: 8 Weekly Classes from August - September 2026, Wednesdays at 6:00pm
Where: Franklin Studio, 45 minutes each
Investment: ?
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WHAT WE WORK ON
This eight-week series is built around skills that matter in real life:
Independence in daily routines (getting dressed, hygiene, shoe-tying, morning transitions)
Emotional regulation
Social skills and making connections
Sustained attention
Skills are tailored to the goals of each group of dancers, so what we work on stays relevant and meaningful.
HOW IT WORKS
Each weekly, 45 minute class follows a consistent structure that keeps kids engaged and learning:
A warm-up and socialization exercise to start
Curriculum-based skill-building activities
Dance and movement breaks throughout to reduce stress and keep energy up
A teach-back moment where students recap what they learned
15 minutes of parent and caregiver education at the end of each class
Class size is intentionally small, with a 1:3 OT-to-student ratio, so every child gets real attention and support.
WHO’S TEACHING
Occupational Therapists + Dancers
Life Skills in Motion is led by two occupational therapists who are also dancers. That combination is not an accident. Our instructors bring clinical training and a genuine love of movement to every class.
Meet Taylor!
Taylor Nock, OTR grew up in dance and gymnastics and now works as an outpatient pediatric OT. She was also introduced to MOVE through Belmont University's OT program and is passionate about the confidence and tangible skills that movement can build in and out of the studio.
Say hello to Abby!
Abby Smith, OTD, OTR/L danced from age three through college, competing on Auburn University's Tiger Paws Dance Team. She earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Belmont University in 2025, completed her doctoral capstone at MOVE, and believes deeply in the overlap between dance and OT.
WHY DANCE AND OT?
Headline
Research shows dance improves mental and cognitive health more effectively than many other forms of exercise. And occupational therapy is built around helping people participate more fully in everyday life. When you put them together in an inclusive, affirming space? Something special happens.
MOVE has partnered with OT students and interns for years, and families kept asking for more. This series is our answer!
