Twirling for Inclusion: Tutu School and WAWOS Celebrate Every Dancer

At Tutu School, we believe that ballet is for everyone.

This is the message we want to instill in each and every one of our dancers, no matter which studio they dance in. It’s a simple statement, but one that holds powerful meaning when we think about what it truly means to be included. To feel celebrated exactly as you are. This is key to Tutu School’s mission that every child should know what it feels like to dance.

That is why we’re honored to announce a very special partnership this spring with an organization whose mission aligns beautifully with our own, WAWOS. WAWOS stands for “We’re All Working On Something,” and with this partnership, we are to be working on something together.

WAWOS is a nonprofit organization devoted to celebrating kids and teens of all abilities, promoting access to fun and adventure, and advocating for inclusive communities where everyone belongs. Their work is filled with joy, purpose, and a deep respect for the individuality of every child, a message that resonates deeply with us at Tutu School.

Together, we are thrilled to present “Twirling for Inclusion,” a free community event that brings together a small group of neurotypical children and differently-abled dancers or those with neurodivergent diagnoses for an afternoon of dance, connection, and celebration.

The Details

What: Twirling for Inclusion – A free inclusive dance class

When: Sunday, May 4th

Time: Arrival at 2:45 PM | Class begins at 3:00 PM

Where: Tutu School Larkspur

Length: 45 minutes

This joyful class is designed to be gentle, welcoming, and above all, fun! Led by loving Tutu Teachers that are well-equipped at teaching all dancers and trained in our boutique ballet curriculum, the session will include music, movement, and, of course, magic– just like all Tutu School classes but with a little extra attention given to ensuring each child feels safe, seen, and celebrated.

Why Inclusion Matters

At Tutu School, we don’t just teach pliés and pirouettes; we create storybook worlds where imagination reigns and every child has the chance to shine. But we also know that, far too often, the world of dance, like so many other spaces and activities, hasn’t always been accessible to everyone. That’s why events like “Twirling for Inclusion” are so important. While we always open our doors to every child in class, it’s important to create intentional space for children of all abilities to dance side by side, to learn, grow, and experience joy together. These moments remind us that inclusion isn’t a one-time initiative or a single event. It’s a constant commitment to removing barriers, inviting everyone to the party, and ensuring a tutu is available to every dancer who wants to twirl. That last one is optional, but highly encouraged!

Our curriculum already centers on imaginative, inclusive learning, and our many franchise locations across the country have worked hard to develop more inclusive classrooms. We’re always looking for new ways to extend that commitment beyond the everyday classroom experience. Partnering with WAWOS offers just that: a beautiful opportunity to learn from one another and dance in community.

About WAWOS

WAWOS (We’re All Working On Something) was founded with a powerful mission: to celebrate and support kids and teens with disabilities or neurodivergent diagnoses while also encouraging the world to embrace inclusion as not just a possibility, but a necessity.

Their programs include community events, school initiatives, educational content, and resources for families, all designed to promote inclusion through joyful, shared experiences. Whether it’s a beach day, an art class, or an inclusive dance event like ours, every WAWOS initiative centers around connection, creativity, and celebrating exactly who we are– no changes needed.

The organization’s name says it all: We’re All Working On Something. Whether it’s learning to tie a shoe, mastering a dance step, or building friendships, we all have things we’re working on, and we’re even better when we work together.

A Thoughtfully Designed Class Experience

Tutu School’s approach to early childhood dance education has always emphasized imagination, gentle guidance, and joy. That makes it a natural fit for inclusive programming like “Twirling for Inclusion.”

The class will be led by trained Tutu Teachers who know how to read the room, adapt in real-time, and ensure that every child’s needs are met with compassion and care. From sensory-sensitive lighting and music choices to flexible class pacing and visual supports, we’re designing this class with accessibility in mind.

We also believe in celebrating individual expression. If a child wants to spin in a circle for the entire class, that’s okay. If another prefers to quietly observe from the sidelines until they’re ready, that’s welcome too. We honor every child’s journey—and believe each one brings something magical to the room.

Parents and caregivers are welcome to stay, participate, and cheer on their dancers. In fact, this event is as much about building connections among families as it is about dance.

Ballet is For Everyone

Our motto at Tutu School is simple, but it means everything: Ballet is for everyone.

And we don’t just mean during special events. We mean every single day, in every single class. Every dancer and child processes the world in a different way, and we want to be a safe space for those navigating their own unique path. Everyone is welcome at our studio. There is no one right way to dance, and there is no one right kind of dancer. Our classes are designed to spark imagination, offer gentle structure with kindness, and make room for creativity to blossom in many forms.

We actively share the stories of differently abled dancers, too, so children can see themselves at Tutu School. Our Ballet Book Club features selections like I Will Dance by Mary Bo Flood, a beautiful picture book inspired by the real-life story of a young dancer with cerebral palsy who dances in a wheelchair and graces the stage with her dance friends. This book touched so many of our students and families across the country. It reminded us that a dancer’s heart is measured by their joy, their courage, and their love of dance in any shape or form. This year, we’re also excited to feature Ballerina on Wheels: Amazing Ava’s First Dance Recital, continuing the uplifting of differently abled dancers with the hope that children can see themselves and learn that everyone is invited on stage at Tutu School.

We carry these stories with us as we continue working toward classrooms that are more open, more welcoming, and more attuned to the needs of all our students. Because the truth is, every child deserves the chance to experience the joy and magic of dance.

Building a Community of Belonging

Community is at the heart of Tutu School. We don’t just teach ballet, we create a place where families gather, friendships bloom, and memories are made. We champion the idea that true community only exists when everyone is invited to belong. Inclusion is more than just opening the door. It’s creating an environment where every child feels in their heart that they are welcomed in a space. That’s why we’re so excited about “Twirling for Inclusion.” It gives us the chance to connect with families who may not have experienced a Tutu School class before and aren’t yet sure if the space is truly a place their little dancer can feel at home. It also gives our current students the chance to connect with new friends in a setting that’s welcoming, empathetic, and filled with joy.

It’s our hope that events like this plant the seeds for ongoing inclusion in all areas of our program and community, and that children will take this experience with them in every space they are a part of. We hope to encourage new families to explore dance and help children develop empathy and excitement for differences. We want to show our whole community, the Bay Area, and Tutu School’s worldwide, what’s possible when we say, “Yes, you can twirl with us!”

“Twirling for Inclusion” is just one step on a journey toward making all of our communities more accessible and inclusive. We’re listening. We’re learning. And we’re always growing. While no one event can change the world, we believe that 45 minutes of dancing together can lead to more open hearts, deeper friendships, and new ideas about what inclusion can really look like.

We are endlessly grateful to WAWOS for their guidance, partnership, and shared commitment to creating spaces where every child can play, explore, and be celebrated. And, above all, we’re thankful to every family who shows up, whether this is your first twirl or the hundredth. Thank you for your commitment to building a more inclusive dance world, one tutu at a time.

Come Twirl with Us!

If you’re interested in joining the “Twirling for Inclusion” event, we’d love to hear from you! Spots are limited to ensure a calm and cozy experience for all participants, so please RSVP soon to secure your place. Whether your dancer is neurotypical, neurodivergent, differently-abled, or simply loves to move and make new friends, this event is for everyone.

We can’t wait to Twirl with you, because at Tutu School, we believe every child deserves to be celebrated and that every child experiences the magic of movement and music!

To confirm your interest or ask any questions, reach out to the team at Tutu School Larkspur. We’ll provide all the information you need to get ready for this fun-filled afternoon. To learn more about WAWOS, visit them online on their website or on their socials, and be sure to follow Tutu School on Instagram for more events.