Dance with the senses. A dance class with visual impaired and sighted children in a conservatory: one-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Children with visual impairment very often have additional motor disorders and developmental delays. They are less active than typical children of a similar age, even though physical activity is essential for their well-being.

METHODS: A weekly dance class for 1 year was offered to 4 visually impaired and 5 sighted children in a conservatory.

RESULTS: The children's satisfaction was excellent, and they perceived an improvement in their mood, walking, balance and coordination, and felt more physically active. The walking speed, balance and posture were improved.

CONCLUSION: This original project, with its full integration in a dance conservatory and by mixing children with and without visual impairment, showed excellent feasibility.