"Let's Dance!" embodies the spirit of inclusion like no other event: everyone is welcome and everyone gets a chance to dance. This event allows anyone with the desire to shine on stage to be celebrated for exactly what they bring to the table. Witnessing the joy of folks who perform for the first time in front of an audience, when they hear the applause and a big smile spreads across their faces... nothing compares to that. "Let's Dance!" proves dancing is so much fun - to be a part of AND to watch. Every dollar Pathlight receives from a donation goes towards supporting enrichment programs for folks with intellectual disabilites, including dance and performing arts. Thank you for your support; I hope you'll join us on November 11!
Loryn Engelbrecht (she/her) is an dance instructor and choreographer for folks of all ages and abilities in Western MA. She has been teaching since 2008, specializing in tap, which she considers her first love. Loryn lives by the, "when in doubt, stomp & clap!" motto: as long as you truly having fun, YOU are a dancer! Her heart's work is sharing the joy of dance with the community, teaching classes for South Hadley Council on Aging, volunteering with Western MA Dance and Movement, choreographing local musical productions, and, of course, Pathlight Group’s annual fundraiser, “Let’s Dance!” Loryn’s classes are filled with high energy, big hearted movement, a love of noise-making, high-fives, and inclusion for all. She encourages each of her students to find the joy in movement & to always remember, "it's gonna be GREAT!"
Let's Dance!
Let’s Dance! is much like “Dancing with the Stars,” only in this case the stars are people served by Pathlight, a Springfield-based organization that serves more than 1000 children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout western Massachusetts.
Pathlight stars are paired with someone from the community and together they rehearse with a volunteer dance instructor to learn a dance routine they will perform the night of the event: November 11, 2023
In the months leading up to the event, as well during the show on the night of, we all can vote for our favorite couple or couples.
$10 per vote. Vote early, vote often -- stuff that ballot box!
Your generosity provides enrichment activities to all served by Pathlight. From theater classes, chorus or participating on a bowling team, to paddling on the Connecticut River, taking a trip to Fenway to watch a Red Sox game, or membership at a local YMCA, these activities allow people with intellectual disabilities to experience the fullness of life.
Pathlight is the premier provider of exceptional services to people with disabilities and their families in Western Massachusetts. In partnership with the people we serve, we design high quality, innovative, and person-centered supports.
Pathlight firmly believes that people with developmental disabilities should be welcomed, contributing members of their communities. We pursue this commitment through an innovative and energetic approach, reflective of the pioneering spirit that brought us together.
Pathlight programs and services:
- Adult Family Care
- Autism Connections
- Down Syndrome Resource Group of W. Mass
- Family Empowerment
- Milestones
- Residential Services
- Shared Living
- Whole Children
- Whole Selves