The Courthouse Center for the Arts hosted the Just Dance: Inclusion Dance and Pizza Party on Thursday, Feb. 5, an event open to all ages and abilities.
Originally, the event was run by Special Olympics Rhode Island, but was eventually cut due to financial restraints. As the Courthouse Center for the Arts admitted individuals with disabilities of all ages into their programs, Executive Director Mariann Almonte would spend time speaking with each individual and learning their interests.
“I speak to every single person every day,” Almonte said. “I ask them about their interests and what kind of things they like to do. Often, in conversation, I would hear ‘I really miss the dances that they used to do.’”
From here, Almonte saw an opportunity. She decided to attempt to bring back the dances by using the resources available to her. Her idea to begin running the event began in 2018. The process of finding volunteers to help her run the event was a long one, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Once restrictions were lifted, Almonte was focused on getting her programs back up and running, but the dance never left her mind.
“That was still in my head,” Almonte said. “They want a dance party.”
After getting her programs back on their feet, Almonte was able to find a group of volunteers who were willing to set up and make the dance come to life.
From the beginning, the event was intended to be only a dance, but when Almonte realized that the 5:30 p.m. start time interfered with dinner, she made the decision to include free pizza, drinks and dessert as part of the occasion; sometimes provided by sponsors, other times by Almonte herself.
As for this week’s edition of the event, the open dance floor allowed everyone to dance and sing freely, with a microphone being passed around the room. Food and drinks were at the ready as the eager dancers fueled themselves between songs. Individuals took turns requesting their favorite songs, much like any other dance. Volunteers mixed and mingled with the attendees, each and every person with a smile on their face.
While the music was energetic, it was not too loud, leaving room for people to chat and catch up with each other.
Volunteer Pamela Petrarca, whose son is differently-abled, stated the importance of the event.
“This event is so special,” Petrarca said. “It provides an opportunity for all differently-abled people to be a part of something. They get to come together as a community and have a dance party.”
The Courthouse Center for the Arts heavily relies on volunteers and interns to run its programs, according to Almonte. On this particular evening, two high school student volunteers, Neive O’Halloran and Lily Johnson, took the lead. For O’Halloran, the event creates a space of inclusion.
“It’s really just a chance for everyone to get together and feel seen,” O’Halloran said. “It gives everyone a time each month where they can get together and have a good time.”
For Johnson, it provides a space where individuals are treated just like anyone else.
“It is a chance to just feel respected,” Johnson said. “You’re your own person.”
Respect and normalcy are what she strives to create, not just in the event, but throughout all of her programs, according to Almonte. She works tirelessly, with help from the community, to create a space where the differently-abled of all ages can feel like themselves.
“Who’s to say what’s normal,” Almonte said. “If we treat them like everyday people, then they start to feel that way.”
The Courthouse Center for the Arts is always looking for volunteers to keep their events and programs running. Internships are also available. Almonte stated that she is working with University of Rhode Island students currently and has done so for a long time.
For more information on volunteer or internship opportunities, visit the Courthouse’s website: courthousearts.org for contact information.
