Balletvale+ wins national prize in Spain for inclusive dance performance
On 3 May, Balletvale+ participated in the Spanish National Dance Competition held in Burgos. The Valencian dance company achieved a remarkable milestone by performing Marcha Alegre and winning first prize in the Classical Dance category within the Diversity section. The dancers that took part in the competition are Laia Ruiz, Carmen Rubio, Irene Limón, Valentina Serrano, Adriana Andrés, Vicent Miralles, Carlos Sánchez and Aristóteles Grajea. Thanks to this victory, the group has now earned a place in the European final.
As part of EASPD’s upcoming conference, Balletvale+ will hold Workshop 17, titled “On Pointe: Breaking Stereotypes with Ballet”, on 16 May from 10:00 to 11:00. During this session, attendees will experience first-hand how BalletVale+ uses dance as a universal language that transcends physical and social barriers. This unique approach promotes integration, personal growth, and the visibility of people with disabilities in the world of art.
Ballet Vale+ stands out for its inclusive and socially committed approach, as it organises adapted ballet groups for children with special motor needs. The company brings together dancers with and without disabilities, especially people with cerebral palsy, giving them the opportunity to express themselves through dance.
The benefits of this inclusive approach extend far beyond the stage. Children with and without special needs learn together, some overcoming fear of difference and gaining empathy, others participating in activities that were previously out of reach. For children with motor disabilities, ballet offers also significant improvements in mobility, such as balance, postural control, and selective motor control of the body, as demonstrated in publications by the Balletvale+ team of physiotherapists. These scientific findings have been presented at specialised conferences and are endorsed by the Institute of Biomechanics of Valencia (IBV).