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.
If you have DSPD, DO NOT register below. Please contact Jared Thomson at jared.thomson@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.
CREATE YOUR NEW SAWYER ACCOUNT HERE
We have switched registration providers this year so your old account will no longer work for registration. Our new provider is called Sawyer. Here is a user guide on how to set up your account. (Great news, with this switch, you won't need to fill out new forms each year!!)
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 when you call. We encourage you to set this up prior to registration opening as some classes can sell out fast.
Tips for Registration
- Learn if you qualify for a scholarship here.
- 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.
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Individual Registration Links & Class Details
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InteGreat Dance Project
~ Registration NOW OPEN ~
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 - Rehearsals start Sept 12, 2025
PLEASE NOTE: Regular rehearsal dates are September 12, 19, 26; October 3, 17, 24. Dress rehearsal dates are Saturday, November 1st 1:30-4:00pm and Friday November 7th 5:30-7:30 pm. Performance at the Ring Around the Rose series with Tanner Dance on Saturday, November 8th at the 11 am and 1:00 performances.
Fridays: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Tuition and fees: $145
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LEADD Classes
~ Registration Opens May 12th, 2025 ~
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.
LEADD Class Offerings - Registration Opens May 12th
The Monday “Literary Arts” class will focus on literature, visual art, creative writing, and drama.
- Literacy will include thinking and engaging with on-level reading for adults with disabilities. They will read fiction and non-fiction material. Participants will engage in writing techniques and develop an understanding of literary elements.
- Visual art will explore concepts such as shape, line, color, texture, and pattern and use class literature and writing as springboards for visual art composition.
- Drama will focus on building fundamental acting/theatre skills through improvisation, on-level games, and readers theater.
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 Tuesday “STEAM” class will focus on science, music, and dance.
- 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. Teachers will utilize literature and ideas from science curriculum to engage students in creative movement exploration.
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 Wednesday “Community Engagement” class will focus on history, community & service, personal & social well-being and include a short movement class.
- Community Engagement will help students build awareness of and their role in their world and community through interactive lessons, targeted field trips, and service projects. We use different modes of transportation and will occasionally have different class locations.
- Adapted PE will engage learners in body awareness and motor skills through a variety of adapted physical activities and cooperative sports.
- Personal & Social Well-Being will focus on developing self-advocacy skills and how to respect one’s own emotions while respecting others as well. Much of the focus will be on developing well-being through the arts.
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 Thursday “Fine Arts” class will focus on dance, visual art, and music.
- Dance will explore shape, space, rhythm, movement quality and include appropriate technique exercises for the whole body. Teachers will utilize literature and other springboards to engage students in creative movement exploration.
- 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 Theater Company Class
~ Registration Opens May 12th, 2025 ~
Elevate Theater Co. - Registration for the public opens May 12th
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 prior to registration.
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Adaptive Needs Dance Classes
~ Semester Begins August 18th, 2025 ~
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 Classes - Registration Opens April 8th
Full DWD Catalog for 2025-2026
If searching for LEADD or Elevate registration below, switch to 'Appointments' tab. Registration for these two programs opens to the public May 12th.
Interested in our other programs?
Elevate Theater Co.
Virginia Tanner Studio
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