Daily Inspiration: Meet Melanie Barron

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Barron.

Hi Melanie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The roots of PerformAbility started way back when Melanie was in High School. She started working with a young girl in Douglas County who was visually impaired. She taught her a dance for her talent show. Through that experience and the different classes and volunteer opportunities, Melanie always knew that she wanted to work with this population.

Fast forward to undergrad, Melanie got BA in Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences with plans to continue her education and get her MA in Early Childhood Special Education. A life long mentor pitched the idea to start a special needs class called ‘Special Angels’ at Starstruck Academy of Dance.

From there, the program grew and grew. Starting with seven students, after hard work and patience by all and a name change, PerformAbility now proudly serves over 80 children and adults with varying needs. We provide recreational and competition dance classes, a spirit squad, tumbling and musicals throughout the year.

We believe that everyBODY is capable and we show the community through our love of performance.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
PerformAbility has been a quickly growing program from the beginning. The fast demand required quick thinking and adaption with my staff and partners. We continue to grow and expand.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
During the day, I am an ECSE (Early Childhood Special Education Teacher) with Mapleton Public Schools. We serve the 3 to 5 population in an inclusive classroom! It is a fun, rewarding and fulfilling profession. I am lucky to have a great team and support at my school!

After school and during the weekends, I am the Owner, Director and Lead Instructor of PerformAbility. PerformAbility is a non-profit 501(c)(3) for children and adults with varying abilities. Through our love of performance we work on fine and gross motor skills, social skills, working memories and confidence. We believe that everyBODY is capable and we continue to grow and shine. PerformAbility provides various programs throughout the week such as recreational dance classes, competition team opportunities, a spirit squad, tumbling and musical programs. We continue to add programs every single year. This year, we have partnered with Special Olympics Colorado and our spirit squad is performing at many of their events.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
PerformAbility stands in a unique position as there really has not yet developed a full industry serving this wonderful community. I hope to continue to see growth in our own program, continuing to add classes, programs and events. A big goal of ours is to add fitness classes (yoga, pilates, HIIT Training) as well as sports camps and opportunities.

We have big plans and we are excited to see them come true. Come Grow With Us!

Pricing:

• Recreational Program- $50.00 per month
• Competition Team- $95.00 per month
• Private Lessons- $20.00 per 30 mins
• Spirit Squad- $100.00 per month
• Musicals- $150.00 per camp

Contact Info:

• Website: performabilityco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performabilityco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/performabilityco