Thread: Free Dance Classes -- Update

Now this is an informative request, just in today! Seems there is an Occupational Therapist in town recommending bellydance classes to patients, wonderful :) Thanks to all who responded to my previous post, it was very helpful to me re considering new terminology ("client" in the therapeutic context) and possible perspectives on a vague situation. My response is further below.

"I have an inquiry about belly dance classes level 1 for a client with a brain injury I have been asked to review a treatment plan for. The Occupational Therapist who completed the treatment plan recommended belly dance classes with another studio in town that is able to offer a significant discount to an occupational therapy assistant who would attend the classes with the client. The client has a thorough background in ballet and I think would really benefit from bellydance classes in many ways and I also think that you would be a great match as a teacher for this client. I am wondering if you've planned a schedule yet for Jan 2012 for Bellydance level 1 and also if you would be able to offer a reduced fee to the OT assistant to help justify my reasoning for sending this client to your studio to the insurer? The OT assistant would participate in the bellydance classes but her main role would be to work with the brain injury client to support her learning, similar to a teacher's aide."


"Dear xx,

(Schedule info, etc.)

Your client is most welcome at our studio! The fee for your client would be $170 inc. HST and I would be happy to offer a 50% discount for the OT companion/aide. If this arrangement meets with the insurer's satisfaction, we can proceed with the registration at your earliest convenience."


Thanks again, Bhuzzers!


Khalida

Yay!
That sounds *much* more reasonable than the first time round! Glad things were clarified.

That is great! So glad this worked out nicely!

Sounds reasonable and equitable for both sides.

Will you suggest that they stay to one side or in the back, to avoid disturbing other students (due to talking, etc) more than necessary?

Originally Posted by SpicyThai

Sounds reasonable and equitable for both sides.

Will you suggest that they stay to one side or in the back, to avoid disturbing other students (due to talking, etc) more than necessary?

I think I'll play it by ear and see how it all unfolds. I rotate the rows and also move my position from center to the sides so that everyone has a close-up view of moi and the mirror or wall, and it will be important for this client to have the same opportunities as everyone else. The client may prefer to stay at the back or to one side of the class, especially at the beginning; this is fine, too, of course. I also divide the class into mini-groups for specific drills from time to time, so this will minimize any disruption as people are drilling, discovering, and sharing in their own group.

I'm looking forward to meeting them both!


Khalida

Should be fun! Please let us know how it develops. Having your experience on this matter could help others who run up against the same scenario. On the one hand, as you note, you want the student to get good access to instruction. On the other, you don't want to hamper/disturb your other students. I imagine this will be dependent on the level of your client's disability.

Good for you for being open to the challenge! :D