Everybody Can Dance meets special needs
September 18, 2024
| By La Crosse Community Foundation |
La Crosse nonprofit organization Everybody Can Dance hosts two dance parties each year for people with special needs, including one in late April and the Oktoberfest Special Fester Ball in early September. Ellie and Dan Hundt, pictured here at a Special Fester Ball, founded the organization with Vicki Fruit 15 years ago.
Finding its groove
After 15 years of throwing dance parties for people with special needs, their loved ones, and the entire community, Everybody Can Dance has undeniably found its groove. The nonprofit organization hosts two dances annually in La Crosse, Wisconsin — one in late April and the Oktoberfest Special Fester Ball in early September — where the only goal is to have fun.
Cofounded by Dan and Ellie Hundt and Vicki Fruit, the dance events provide a place for people with special needs and the community at large to socialize and grow relationships. The events draw dancers from ages 3 to 83, all having fun together, where wheelchairs are no obstacle, and all abilities are celebrated on the dance floor.
What inspired you to start Everybody Can Dance?
Our daughter Amanda was invited to a birthday party while in kindergarten. She had some difficulties entering that house while using her wheelchair. She was able to participate in all of the school events, but going to somebody’s house just did not work.
To make up for this problem, we decided to do an end-of-the-year party at our home and invited her “pod” of students for a potluck type of event. We played numerous games and had some silly contests. Everybody had fun. We continued doing this all the way through her senior year at Central High School. Amanda passed in 2003.
Ellie had been a member of a MOMS group for many years. All the women are parents of a special child, supported each other, and shared resources.
Two members of the MOMS group applied for a grant to produce a sustainable inclusion event and, surprisingly, received the grant. It was Ellie’s idea to use the money for a dance. Everybody loves music!
Can you share any memorable experiences from the dances?
A while back, one of the local TV channels interviewed Ellie. First question: Do you know everybody here? “No, maybe half of them. There are a lot of familiar faces but a lot of new ones at each event,” said Ellie. Next question: Why do you do this event?
Just then, a young lady runs up to Ellie, gives her a big hug and yells, “Thanks Ellie”, and runs back to the dance floor. The reply to the reporter’s question was, “That’s why.” End of interview.
Our success stories are numerous but mostly small in stature.
- One adult guest: “I have not been to a party like this since I was in high school.”
- An older special individual: “I won this blanket here tonight; I have never had a blanket of my own before.”
- One of our youngest volunteers: “I had fun helping tonight. Can I do it again next time? Can I bring my brother?”
- From a parent: “I have known a lot of these kids for years but have never met their parents. What a great chance to meet and share some interesting stories.”
- Oktoberfest Executive Director Tina Severson: “The Special Fester Ball was voted the best event of Oktoberfest this year…again.”
Attendance continues to grow as each event happens, and the number of people involved in the planning or as volunteers increases at each event.
How does “Everybody Can Dance” foster social interactions between individuals with and without special needs?
Music and dancing are universal activities!
When the music starts, there are usually 30 to 50 people dancing, and they don’t stop until the music quits at the end of the event. Nobody points fingers or laughs at somebody else. Here, they are encouraged to come, relax, and have a good time with their friends and family members.
We have been providing the event for over 15 years, and it has taken on a life of its own. We incorporated as a 501(c)(3) and have a board of 15 members who make it easy to provide a stable group of dedicated volunteers who are in it for the long haul.