Where Neurodivergent Children Are Seen,
Supported & Celebrated
Through Dance, Movement & Intuitive Healing
Offering Private & Group Classes in Los Angeles
Welcome to A Dance Therapy
Where neurodivergent and differently-abled children are not only included
— they’re celebrated.
If your child is neurodivergent (Autistic, ADHD, sensory sensitive,
non-verbal, or emotionally complex), has felt excluded from traditional programs, or wants to express themselves in a safe, supportive space, you’re in the right place.
Founded by Adriana Fernandes, with 30+ years of dance and movement experience, every class is guided by the child’s needs, energy, and spirit—not a strict curriculum.
Here, movement becomes medicine.
Expression becomes empowerment.
Every child is seen for the radiant soul they are.
Is this you?
You may be a parent who:
Feels overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure how to support your child’s development.
Wants a space where your child can thrive without pressure to conform.
Your child might currently be facing challenges like:
Limited safe, inclusive environments for learning and growth.
Frequent correction, dismissal, or exclusion for their behavior or energy expression.
Emotional dysregulation, anxiety, or trauma responses.
Sensory sensitivities or nervous system overload.
Greater body awareness and improved emotional regulation.
Increased self-confidence and a deepened sense of identity.
Creative expression, joy, and a sense of safety and empowerment.
Strengthened parent-child bonds.
Techniques and tools to continue growth at home.
Here’s what you will
achieve from our classes:
How are we different?
We Offer
Child-Led,
Intuitive Sessions
Classes follow your child’s energy, not a strict curriculum.
We Are Holistic &
Trauma-Informed
Blending somatic techniques, Reiki energy, and emotional regulation practices.
Emotional Safety Comes First
We attune to each child’s communication style (verbal or nonverbal) to build trust.
In Our Class,
Movement Is Healing
Dance becomes a tool for self-expression, confidence, and nervous system support.
We Use
Swing Flow™ Movement Therapy
We create custom therapeutic environments using swings, mats & art for your child’s
needs.
Our Classes
A joyful and nurturing way to connect with your child, understand their world, and build trust. In these classes, children and caregivers move together from beginning to end, creating a safe and supportive space for growth.
Parent & Me
Movement Therapy
Our Teen & Adult Group Classes bring together the artistry of dance and the healing power of movement. These sessions weave classical ballet, jazz, and contemporary technique with mindfulness, breathwork, and Reiki energy work, creating a space where dancers of all abilities can thrive.
Teen & Adult Group Classes (13+)
Small group sessions (2–3 dancers) intentionally paired for synergy and growth. These sessions balance personalized attention with peer connection and collaborative exploration.
Semi-Private
Classes
One-on-one sessions designed around each dancer’s unique needs. Using play, creativity, and therapeutic movement, these sessions build confidence, coordination, and emotional regulation at the dancer’s pace.
Private
Classes
Not sure which class is right for your child?
Not to worry. We can explore together our options and what is the best fit.
Contact us below, and Adriana and her team will be in touch
to arrange a call
to chat through your options.
See A Glimpse of
Our Magic
Experience You Can Feel 30+ years of traditional dance, energy work, and embodied movement wisdom and experience working with differently-abled children.
Celebration Over Correction
Every class ends with empowerment and “I DID IT!” moments.
Meet Your Teacher
Miss A
ABT® Certified Ballet Teacher | Autism Movement Therapy® Provider | Reiki Master
Adriana Fernandes, known by her students as Miss “A,” is the Founder and Director of A Dance Therapy, a holistic movement program dedicated to empowering children and individuals through therapeutic dance, creative expression, and meaningful human connection.
With over 30 years of teaching experience, Adriana bridges dance education, developmental support, nervous system regulation, and holistic healing to help individuals grow not only physically, but emotionally and socially.
Adriana is known for her warm, intuitive, and highly individualized teaching style. Her classes are designed as supportive environments where students feel respected, encouraged, and empowered to grow at their own pace.
Most commonly asked questions:
-
That is completely okay-and expected in my program. A Dance Therapy is not about rigidly copying the teacher's movements; it's about honoring each child's rhythm, emotional safety, and readiness. I welcome children who need to observe, move freely, or sit with a caregiver before joining in. Some children may circle the room while others dance in place. All of that is part of the process. My role is to build connection and trust first-only then can meaningful engagement happen. As long as everyone is safe, your child is free to participate in a way that feels comfortable and empowering to them.
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Not at all. No prior dance experience-or verbal communication-is necessary. My program is built around inclusive, non-verbal movement exploration that meets every child where they are. Whether your child uses spoken language or other forms of expression, they are fully welcome here. Movement is a powerful language on its own, and I am trained to tune in to each child's unique way of communicating through their body, energy, and presence.
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Meltdowns are not viewed as interruptions-they are expressions of a child's needs, and they are met with compassion and care. If a child needs a break, there's no judgment. They are welcome to sit with a caregiver, step outside briefly, or simply observe until they feel ready. My goal is to co-create a space where emotional regulation is supported, not suppressed. I work closely with parents and caregivers to understand what helps each child feel safe and grounded.
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Yes, and in fact, your presence is an essential part of the experience in both of our group classes:
- Tiny Movers (ages 3-6) - This is a caregiver-and-child class where full participation is required throughout the session. We dance together, supporting our little ones as they learn to self-regulate, engage, and build confidence through movement. Over time, as your child begins to explore more independently, you may gradually step back while still remaining present in the room for emotional support and safety.
- Groovy Movers (ages 6+ group class) - Caregiver participation is also required for the entire class. While older students may begin to move more confidently on their own, your presence provides a steady sense of security and support. If your child shows readiness to participate independently, you may reduce hands-on assistance-but you'll still remain in the space throughout the session.
This co-regulating model is central to A Dance Therapy's approach. We honor each child's nervous system, emotional safety, and pace. Your role as a loving, grounded presence is a powerful part of their growth.
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A Dance Therapy is not just a dance class-it's a healing, heart-centered, and sensory-aware experience designed specifically for neurodivergent children and others who benefit from therapeutic movement. The program integrates classical dance technique, play, mindfulness, music, energy work (including Reiki), and emotional regulation tools. The focus is never on perfection, performance, or compliance. It's about self-expression, connection, and creating a space where every child feels truly seen and celebrated.