Dancer from DWTS leads dance seminars for people with Down syndrome

From The Burbank Leader in California:

Blair Williamson may have Down’s syndrome, but he also has wild hips.

And he couldn’t stop shaking them Wednesday during the second week of dance classes for people with Down’s syndrome at McCambridge Park Recreation Center in Burbank.

“I really like dancing a lot,” said Williamson, 29, who shimmied and shook while singing along to “We’re All In This Together,” from the soundtrack of the “High School Musical” movie.

The dancing helped attendees express their personalities in unique ways, said Jane Sarture, director of Activities for Retarded Children & Adults, a center that offers assistance to people with Down’s syndrome.“These guys just come alive,” Sarture said of the class, explaining that music can be a powerful catalyst for people with the disability. “Whenever they’re doing a performance art, it really comes through.”

The Wednesday dance series was initiated by Kym Johnson, a professional dancer from the TV show “Dancing with the Stars,” who coordinated with the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles to organize a weekly series that she hopes will lead to a performance in November.

“Seeing how much they enjoy doing the dances, it’s fun for me,” Johnson said, adding that she feels she personally benefits from teaching the class. “It’s kind of selfish, actually.”

About 60 participants, ranging in age from 2 to 52, came from across the Southern California area, with one driving an hour and 45 minutes to attend her second class.

“It was really, really fun,” said Jessica Morgan, 20, who made the drive from Murrieta.“I just love coming here, getting to know Kym and learning what dance is all about,” Morgan said.

Parents and siblings, who watched as participants bounced from side to side and pumped their arms, said the classes are important to their children, many of whom love to dance and listen to music, especially since they were being taught by a celebrity.

“She’s full of energy, and I think that energy radiates to our kids,” Coralee Nickel said.

Participant Robin Trocki, 52, said Kym was an energizing part of the class.

“I’m 52 and I’m getting into action,” Trocki said.

Seth Onspaugh, 6, had no problem demonstrating his favorite moves: jumping and spinning.

Chelsea Lenninger, 19, also didn’t hold back.“Hips,” Lenninger said. “It makes me feel sexy.”

Johnson, who had been asked to teach a similar class in her native Australia, said she was shocked by some of the energy and dancing skills in the classes.

“Some of them really come out and they bust out some moves, and they really blow me away,” Johnson said, later comparing class members to NFL star Warren Sapp, her current partner on “Dancing with the Stars.”

“They mimic me a lot better than Warren,” she said.