Orange Grove recently added Water Ballet to its extraordinary and supplemental programming. Water Ballet began in August 2008, following a presentation to the Recreation Department by Courtney Miles, a member of the Chattanooga Ballet Troupe.
The class meets every two weeks for 30 minutes. Thirteen students from Children’s Services, ages 11-22, with varying disabilities, including autism, ADHD, mental retardation and speech/language impairments, participate in the class.
Courtney teaches the students traditional ballet moves, such as Plié, Pirouette and the basic positions (first, second, and third) while they are in the pool. The water helps them to move with more ease, yet it also provides a small amount of resistance to help strengthen and tone muscles and increase flexibility.
The warmth of the water is easier on their joints, and is therapeutic in nature. The success of the class has led to the addition of a second class for adults at the center.
