Every Thursday, people supported in AHRC’s Oceanside, Carle Place, and Seaford day services sites log on to Zoom to enjoy an interactive hour filled with music and dancing. The virtual dance sessions are led by Bhawna Sudhir, affectionately known as “Miss B.,” a long-time agency volunteer who’s been giving back for nearly a decade.

“In 2016, we moved to Bethpage, Long Island, to ensure our son, who is on the high-functioning autism spectrum, could attend the best special education school district,” said Miss B.

“I noticed the AHRC day program site and offered my time on a weekly basis.”

Miss B. has been conducting Zoom dance classes since 2020 and continued after pandemic restrictions lifted. By conducting class over Zoom, she can offer therapeutic dance services to all 30 day service sites that are interested. During her class, people are engaged, get on their feet, and practice dance steps.

Heather Tiniakos, who attends the Oceanside site, loves the classes and is a huge fan of Miss B. She rarely misses class since starting in February of this year. What she enjoys most about the dances is the clever use of props.

In her lessons, Miss B. uses both popular and culturally specific songs. One of the most popular is “The Devil in The Blue Dress” similar to Elvis Presley’s “Devil in Disguise.” She also uses simple, everyday props, like tissues and hats, that people can easily find in their environment. The props are used to help develop movement, direction, and listening skills. Miss B.’s goal is to make the classes accessible and easy to follow, while ensuring people are having fun.

“I like doing the dance with the tissue, the one with the marker in your hand, and the hat part,” said Heather, who enjoys also enjoys staying active at day program with chair yoga and “Fit With Rick on YouTube.”

“Our group loves her so much,” said Oceanside Site Manager Tyesha Pollard. “They really, really do. They grab the tissues, they do the dances, we love Miss B.”

According to Tyesha, six people from Oceanside attend virtual dance classes with Miss B.

Miss B. is formally educated in the field of Therapeutic Dance in Education (TDIE) and creative arts surrounding people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She uses her dance classes to spread positivity and teach everyday skills.

Amy Yeung, the Day Program Activities Specialist, facilitates Miss B.’s dance sessions for different day programs and attends every class. She sees firsthand how people are enjoying themselves in the Zooms.

“Everyone loves Miss B. They are happy and willing to follow her with a smile,” said Amy.  “She has regulars she calls on by name during class and they are always willing to participate.”

Maintaining the lessons through Zoom has enabled people to participate from home or day program. Many log on independently and some are assisted by their staff. The classes also provide an opportunity for her to share some of her cultural heritage through “Kathak,” the North Indian classical dance form that embodies intricate footwork, spins, and storytelling.

“I am glad the AHRC community appreciates and notices the environment I create as a Teaching Artist for the IDD community,” said Miss B.