For many families of children and adults with disabilities, finding a welcoming recreational activity can be surprisingly difficult. Traditional dance studios often lack the training, accessibility, or flexibility needed to support dancers with diverse abilities. That gap is exactly what MOVE Inclusive Dance was created to fill.
Founded in Nashville, MOVE Inclusive Dance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making dance accessible for people of all abilities. Through adaptive classes, supportive teaching methods, and a strong sense of community, MOVE ensures that dancers with disabilities can experience the joy, creativity, and confidence that dance can provide.
MOVE Inclusive Dance was founded by Lauren Morris, who grew up dancing and always believed that the studio should be a place where everyone belongs. After noticing the lack of dance opportunities for individuals with disabilities, she set out to create a program where dancers of all abilities could participate fully.
What began as a summer program quickly grew into a year-round nonprofit dance studio. Since opening in 2019, MOVE Inclusive Dance has served more than 3,000 individuals through adaptive dance classes and community programs.
In 2024, the organization expanded with a second studio location in Franklin, allowing MOVE to serve even more families across Middle Tennessee.
MOVE Inclusive Dance focuses on adaptive instruction designed for dancers with a wide range of disabilities, including developmental, physical, sensory, and neurological differences. Classes are structured to meet dancers where they are while encouraging growth, creativity, and independence.
Programs include:
- Weekly adaptive dance classes for children, teens, and adults
- Sensory-friendly learning environments with flexible pacing and individualized support
- Volunteer classroom assistants who provide one-on-one encouragement when needed
- An annual inclusive recital, where every dancer has the opportunity to perform on stage
The goal is simple: create a space where dancers feel supported, celebrated, and empowered. For many families, the impact goes beyond the dance floor. Parents often share that their children gain confidence, develop friendships, and discover new ways to express themselves through movement.
Access to arts programming plays a powerful role in social connection, emotional expression, and overall well-being. For individuals with disabilities, inclusive arts programs can also help address barriers that often limit participation in community activities.
At MOVE Inclusive Dance, inclusion is woven into every part of the program, from teaching strategies to studio culture. Volunteers, teachers, families, and dancers work together to create an environment where differences are embraced and every dancer’s success is celebrated.
Families interested in adaptive dance opportunities can learn more about classes, events, and community resources through MOVE Inclusive Dance’s website at https://www.moveinclusivedance.com.
At its core, MOVE Inclusive Dance is about more than dance technique; it’s about belonging. Whether a dancer is taking their first steps across the studio floor or performing on stage for the first time, the goal remains the same: to ensure that everyone has a place in the dance world.
For families searching for inclusive arts opportunities in Middle Tennessee, MOVE Inclusive Dance offers a welcoming community where every dancer is encouraged to shine.
About the Author
Lauren Morris is the Founder and Executive Director of MOVE Inclusive Dance. Inspired by a childhood conversation with her mother and a desire to make dance accessible to everyone,
Lauren founded MOVE to create a space where individuals with disabilities can experience the joy of movement.
Through dedicated research, community support, and a deep commitment to inclusion, MOVE has grown into a thriving nonprofit that has served thousands of individuals since launching in 2018. Lauren’s work is driven by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to dance, and she is proud to lead an organization that continues to make a lasting impact in the community.