What is NeuroDance?
NeuroDance is an inclusive dance class experience for adults living with neurological conditions and their loved ones. The program was developed by Lexii Regina Alcaraz, a physical therapist and dancer based in San Diego, and is part of Malashock Dance’s programming. Classes center individual movement style with easy-to-follow choreography that can be adapted to any movement abilities. Our classes are unique: they are led by a dance teacher and assisted by physical therapists. We have rehab specialists present in each class to help our participants get as much movement as they would like. If you would like an extra stretch, we are happy to help achieve that, but know that this class is for YOU and we encourage you to move to whatever degree you want or are able to that day.
Is there a fee for attending class?
San Diego NeuroDance class attendance costs $10 per group. We welcome participants to come with their loved ones (up to 5 people) and the $10 fee is fixed regardless of the number of individuals in your group.
Scholarships are available if $10 to attend a class is prohibitory. Please email Info@NeuroDanceTogether.org if finances are limiting your participation.
What do you mean “per group”?
We believe dance brings people together. At NeuroDance, we aim to create a community of people who have fun dancing, but also bring dance to your existing community. As such, we encourage you to invite friends or family to join you in class. When you sign up, you have the option of informing us how many people are in your group and paying the $10 registration fee once for that whole group. During class, you will have opportunities to dance with your group.
No group? No problem! You are welcome to register and come on your own. Our welcoming team will help you meet everyone in our classes.
Is this class for me?
Our classes are specifically catered towards adults living with physical disabilities related to neurological conditions. Our teachers are trained to cue movements with common symptoms in mind and our physical therapists have extensive backgrounds working with individuals with neurological conditions. Children are welcome to attend with their loved ones to enjoy a family experience. If you do not have an neurological condition but have other physical disabilities that make accessing a dance class difficult, we invite you to attend a class and see if this is a good space for you.
While we do not have any specific resources available for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, we keep our classes and space open to any individual who might enjoy class.
What if I don’t know how to dance?
Not a dancer? Not a problem! Our classes are structured so that anyone can participate through different exercises and activities. Our classes do not focus on dance technique and instead emphasize the universal experience of moving to music and finding your own groove – no experience required!
What if I am a wheelchair user?
Our class spaces are selected to ensure accessibility via both manual and power wheelchairs. Each space features accessible toilets. You are welcome to stay in your wheelchair for the duration of class or transfer to a chair or standing if you prefer.
Where are classes held?
Currently, our classes are held in different locations around San Diego. Please note that while San Diego NeuroDance is a program of Malashock Dance, we DO NOT host our regularly scheduled classes at the Malashock Studios in Liberty Station. Please note the location of class when you register online and look out for the San Diego NeuroDance poster when you arrive to find the best place to park. If you have any questions, please email Info@NeuroDanceTogether.org
How do we partner with San Diego NeuroDance?
We are consistently looking for new partners in the community. We believe we are stronger together and would love to get involved bringing our unique classes to you and your community. Email us at Info@NeuroDanceTogether.org for opportunities regarding pop-up classes, workshops, or on-site education.