Here at Tanner Dance we are fortunate to provide multiple class types for dancers with disabilities. This includes LEADD - an art and education program for adults with disabilities; Elevate Theater Co. - our musical theatre company for performers with disabilities; along with our Studio's Adaptive Needs Dance classes for children and young adults with disabilities, including a class for individuals in wheelchairs.
Our dancers with disabilities catalog can be found below. You can also click the links in the navigation bar above to learn more about each of our dance classes.
Our LEADD and Elevate programs include an interview process which you can learn more about here. You can also access their annual calendars here.
Do you want to volunteer within our disabilities community? Please make your inquires to ben.tillotson@utah.edu.
Register With Tanner Dance's Adaptive Needs Programs
- Learn if you qualify for a scholarship here. Scholarship forms are due by 7/1/2026 for the fall semester.
- We know parking can be difficult on campus. Read through some of our tips and insights.
- Our registration system has been updated. Sawyer's user guide can answer many of your questions.
- Important note about communication contacts: With Sawyer, when you create your account, you will be the 'Primary Contact' responsible for the dancer and will automatically be assigned as the person to receive emails. If you are purchasing a class but are not the primary caregiver, we strongly suggest they make the account instead. Primary and Secondary contacts are responsible for all communications between Tanner Dance and the dancer and we cannot switch ownership on our backend.
University of Utah staff
Even if you have previously set up your staff discount, you will need to re-verify your uNID. If you have not yet set up your University of Utah staff discount, please contact the office to set that up before registering. You will need a valid uNID ready. We encourage you to set this up prior to registration opening as some classes can sell out fast.
If you have DSPD, DO NOT register below. Please contact Sarah Cardenas at s.cardenas@utah.edu with your support coordinator's name, phone number, and email so we can work out billing with them. We will also help you register for the class(es) you're interested in.
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LEADD Classes
LEADD (Learning and Engaging through Arts Discipline and Development) is the University of Utah’s Tanner Dance arts and education program for adults with disabilities. It teaches valuable skills through performing and visual arts along with lifelong learning academic and skills based classes. The LEADD Program is designed to give adults with disabilities a place to learn, grow, and express themselves as individuals. Participants have the opportunity to perform and display their work in a year-end spring showcase. For adults who have physical and/or intellectual disabilities who have aged out of the public school system, LEADD provides a continuing education community.
As a new participant, our program directors would love to meet with you before you register. We will give a more specific program overview as well as discuss program expectations, specific needs for the participant, answer questions, and gain a general sense if this program will be a good fit. By meeting before classes begin, Tanner Dance faculty will have a better understanding of how to best support the participant and ensure a positive experience.
Please email Ben Tillotson at ben.tillotson@utah.edu to schedule a date to meet with our LEADD and Elevate directors.
The “Literary Arts” class will focus on the importance of storytelling through writing, drama, and visual art.
- Literature will explore the different methods used to communicate meaning such as reading, writing, and scripting.
- Visual art will explore concepts such as shape, line, color, texture, and pattern and use class literature and writing as springboards for visual art compositions.
- Drama will focus on building fundamental acting/theatre skills through improvisation, on-level games, characterization, and memorization.
Please email Ben Tillotson at ben.tillotson@utah.edu to schedule a date to meet with our LEADD and Elevate directors prior to registration.
The “STEAM” class will focus on thematic science concepts to guide instruction and engagement through music, dance, and science.
- Science will include investigation, problem solving, and hands on experiments through engaging, on-level science curriculum for adults with disabilities.
- Music will increase participants’ knowledge in melody, rhythm, and dynamics while the class sings, composes, and performs together.
- Dance will explore shape, space, rhythm, movement quality and include appropriate technique exercises for the whole body.
Please email Ben Tillotson at ben.tillotson@utah.edu to schedule a date to meet with our LEADD and Elevate directors prior to registration.
The “Community Engagement” class will focus on the importance of leading meaningful lives through community access, developing healthy lifestyles, increasing social acuity, and our individual role and responsibility in our community. This class will also participate in field trips within our community.
- Adapted PE class will get participants up and out of their seats to develop fine and gross motor skills, how to keep their bodies active and healthy, and develop positive interpersonal relationships.
- Community Dance is designed to teach students how dance has been used as a means to connect with others and strengthen communities. Students will participate in a wide range of dancing styles.
- Community Health will help students build awareness of their community, how to access it, contribute to its well-being, and navigate the complexities of social engagement.
Please email Ben Tillotson at ben.tillotson@utah.edu to schedule a date to meet with our LEADD and Elevate directors prior to registration.
The “Fine Arts” class will focus on the value of dance, visual art, and music in understanding ourselves and the world.
- Dance will explore shape, space, rhythm, movement quality and include appropriate technique exercises for the whole body.
- Visual art will explore concepts such as shape, line, color, texture, and pattern, and culminate in unique visual art compositions.
- Music will increase participants’ knowledge in melody, rhythm, and dynamics while the class sings, composes, and performs together.
Please email Ben Tillotson at ben.tillotson@utah.edu to schedule a date to meet with our LEADD and Elevate directors prior to registration.
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Elevate Theatre Company
The Elevate Theater Company at the University of Utah Tanner Dance engages artists with disabilities in the performing arts of singing, dancing, and acting. Our aim is to provide an enriching experience to develop social, cognitive, and physical mobility skills, such as memorization, balance, vocal projection, and reading. The creative process culminates in the annual spring production at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center. Through our partnership with the Bennion Center, university students volunteer as coaches to support participants during class and on stage.
Please email Ben Tillotson at ben.tillotson@utah.edu to schedule a date to meet with our LEADD and Elevate directors.
Please email Ben Tillotson at ben.tillotson@utah.edu to schedule a date to meet with our LEADD and Elevate directors prior to registration.
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Adaptive Needs Dance Classes
Adaptive Needs Dance classes are for children and young adults who wish to experience the joy of moving and self-expression. These classes includes age and ability appropriate technique exercises for the whole body, and the exploration of shape, space, rhythm, and movement qualities. Teachers use literature and other springboard ideas to explore movement. All classes have live accompaniment by experienced and engaging musicians. Dancers in the adaptive dance classes have the opportunity to perform at Kingsbury Hall in a year-end performance.
Adaptive Needs Dance 3-7 Yrs. (VTAND1-26/27)
Tuesdays: 4:30 PM- 5:30 PM
Tuition and fees: $730
Adaptive Needs Dance 8-15 Yrs. (VTAND3-26/27)
Saturdays: 10:30 AM- 11:30 AM
Tuition and fees: $710
Adaptive Needs Dance 16+ Yrs. (VTAND4-26/27)
Saturdays: 11:45 AM- 12:45 PM
Tuition and fees: $710
Adaptive Needs Dance Wheels (VTAND2-26/27)
Wednesdays: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuition and fees: $730
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InteGreat Dance Project
The InteGreat Dance Project is dedicated to promoting belonging and accessibility through dance creation and performance. InteGreat is open to dancers of all abilities and aims to celebrate the power of movement to connect, inspire and unite communities.
You will collaborate with a guest choreographer to create a piece for Repertory Dance Theatre's Ring Around the Rose with Tanner Dance.
The InteGreat Dance Project is dedicated to promoting belonging and accessibility through dance creation and performance. InteGreat is open to dancers of all abilities and aims to celebrate the power of movement to connect, inspire and unite communities.
You will collaborate with a guest choreographer to create a piece for Repertory Dance Theatre's Ring Around the Rose with Tanner Dance.
InteGreat Dance Project (VTIG-26/27)
PLEASE NOTE: Regular rehearsal dates are still being determined.
Fridays: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Tuition and fees: TBD
Check back soon for registration link