dots
dance over the spectrum


Our Story
The idea for DOTS originated with my realising there was a gap in general activities on offer for children that require specialised support, understanding and/or monitoring. There are many dance teachers who offer a space for such children in their dance schools however, as I have taught and assisted many children of this nature during my career, I have come to see that although dance is fun for them, there could also be a more positive outcome for them to better improve their needs and skills. It was at this point that I became familiar with the DIR Floortime Model and decided to incorporate their philosophies with my knowledge and understanding of dance, anatomy, music and extensive experience working with children in this environment over the past 30 years. In so doing it is the aim of DOTS Dance Over the Spectrum to offer not only classes in dance for fun, but to assist with developing and building neurological pathways for oratory, fine and gross motor skills as well as social skills to better equip the children throughout their lives. The classes will also offer feedback and reflection to the parent / guardian and confidential discussion (where necessary) to have a clearer partnership between the teacher, student and Parent/Guardian in the hope of creating an actual outcome in a fun and social atmosphere. Sharyn Constable Founder
Our Team

Sharyn Constable
Founder
Integrating her new studies with her vast knowledge of dance and music Sharyn was then inspired to create a valuable, safe and fun learning space for these children and DOTS was born! Highly respected within the Australian dance industry, Sharyn is a registered Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet teacher and a RAD examiner with over 40 years of ballet teaching experience. Sharyn has studied classical ballet, jazz, contemporary, flamenco, diet & nutrition, pilates, body strength and conditioning. In recent years Sharyn identified a lack of programs for children requiring specialised assistance, with needs that were not being addressed by mainstream dance teaching techniques and dance education courses. Upon investigating further, Sharyn completed Profectum and their introductory DIR Floortime Model course and is currently working towards the DIR Floortime Model Professional course.
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Jane Houlihan
Jane has been teaching dance in various genres for over 30 years. She was a former professional dancer and a studio owner of You Can Dance Performing Arts for 18 years. Jane has been passionately teaching all ability/special needs dance classes since 2006 and has a great love for seeing her students thrive, reach new goals and most importantly - feel encouraged, supported, included and inspired. Jane is a qualified primary school teacher and works regularly with autistic students in the classroom. She hopes to further her studies of teaching education in the area of special needs in the future. Jane is incredibly excited to be joining the amazing DOTS team in 2023 as both teacher and social media marketer.

Meaghan Willard
Meaghan started dance at 5 years of age. She trained under Sharyn Constable in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Drama & Singing. Meaghan began as a student teacher at 15 years old & graduated to Solo teaching by age 17. Now with 26 years of teaching experience in all aspects of dance, Meaghan has now completed her study of the DIR Floortime therapy & has teamed up with Sharyn once more. Meaghan is very proud to be sharing the gift of dance via the innovative and progressive Dots Dance Therapy model.

Rebecca Constable
Rebecca embarked on her dance journey at just 5 years old, training under Sh Constable in a variety of styles, including Classical Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. Before joining DOTS, she was already teaching classical ballet. For the past two years, Rebecca has embraced DIR Floortime therapy at DOTS, guided by Sharyn, and she is excited to share the joy of dance through the innovative Dots Dance Therapy model.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
"My son loves his specialist ASD dance lessons with DOTS and is so relaxed and joyous when he leaves each lesson. The performances are a highlight and Sharyn is a passionate and amazing teacher for our special kids! " - Amy-Louise (Mum)
"We're so happy we discovered DOTS! I'd been looking for an autism dance class everywhere - my daughter can now relax and enjoy dancing in an understanding place! Her rhythm and movement coordination is improving with each class and we like the DIR method for her emotional regulation. I fully trust in the knowledge, passion and expertise of Sharyn and Meaghan." - Juliet (Mum)
I just wanted to send a quick message to say how nice it was to be back tonight. Jack had a great time& I wanted to let you know of a nice moment we had tonight – on our way to bed, up the hallway, he stopped & told me to do “like dance” & grabbed my hands to show me he wanted to gallop like you did in class today. We galloped up & down the hallway & he got his dad & sister to watch too. A small thing, but it made my night.