Maryland Youth Ballet's "Music & Motion" program is giving physically disabled children the freedom to dance with a state-of-the-art overhead track system designed specifically for their needs. This is a first-of-its-kind application of technology used in healthcare and rehabilitation settings to give students greater mobility.

On January 2, 2007, Maryland Youth Ballet (MYB) moved into a brand new facility in Silver Spring, Maryland. The 35-year old dance center provides instruction to all levels of dancers. MYB alumni dance with some of the most prestigious dance companies in the world. MYB will celebrate its new facility at a Grand Opening celebration on March 10, with an open house for the public.

"At MYB, we want everyone to dance. MYB's 'Music & Motion' program gives these children who find walking and basic motor activity a struggle the ability to really soar," says Charlie Barnett, MYB's president. "We are proud to offer this first-of-its-kind therapeutic dance instruction."

At the grand opening of the new facility, the Maryland Youth Ballet will unveil its state-of-the-art overhead track system that allows each physically disabled dancer to stand, walk and dance, with the equipment bearing about 75 percent of the dancer's weight. The dancers are suspended with the aid of a vest sling and attached to a traverse rail system hung in the ceiling, giving the dancers complete range of motion.

Music & Motion is the innovation of MYB's Jennifer Cox, a 30-year dance professional, and Rebecca Leonard, a licensed physical therapist specializing in pediatric physical therapy. Inspired by her own granddaughter's desire to dance despite disabilities, Cox developed the program in 2004 to allow the children to enjoy the beauty of music and motion, and gain the benefits of the physical therapy. About 15 students have participated in the program to date.

"The most recent research in physical therapy indicates that partial weight bearing therapy is among the most promising in developing large motor skills," says Leonard.

The "Music & Motion" program offers both physical and mental benefits that far exceed many of the traditional therapies available. The overhead track system gives instructors the opportunity to develop new programs and therapeutic techniques, whereas previous efforts would have been limited to the ability of volunteers who physically supported the children during the classes.

The overhead rail system that supports and allows the dancers the freedom of self-determined movement was designed by Liko Inc., and was installed by Access Aid, a Maryland accessibility company.

The Liko Track System was custom designed for the MYB application, and includes six "H" shaped rail systems with a suspension strap and sling vest on each. The system is typically used in healthcare or rehabilitation setting to mobilize patients who otherwise have restricted movement due to medical conditions.

"At Liko we take great pride in designing systems that give patients and caregivers alike, the freedom to move and transfer safely within their home or medical facility," says Gary Nowitz, vice-president of home care for Liko North America. "We have designed many systems for physical therapy uses and gait training, but as far as we know, this specific application of our technology is the first of its kind in the world."

Source: Maryland Youth Ballet