Buddy Program

Welcome to the Buddy Program - Supporting Student Participation at Dance

Buddies Hero Image

What is a buddy?

A buddy in dance supports a student's access, inclusion, and participation by working alongside the student as a partner rather than assisting the teacher, often becoming a mentor and creative collaborator.

Dance students collaborating

A buddy differs from a teacher's assistant in that they work with and support their dancing partner, rather than aid the teacher in the running of the class.

As a buddy, you could participate in all aspects of a program, including dancing, creatively collaborating, and performing with your partner.

Dance mentor and student

A buddy can be an older dance student, a classmate, a parent, or an adult volunteer.

It is usually best if a buddy is older than the student being supported and has some dance experience.

See some of our AllPlay Dance buddies in action!

Are you interested in becoming a buddy?

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a buddy, enrol in our AllPlay Dance: Buddy Professional Learning for Disability-Inclusive Dance course. You can also express interest in being a buddy in our AllPlay Dance studio classes using this link.

Enrol in the Buddy Course
Dance partners collaborating
Join AllPlay Dance Program

Choose the program that best matches your role to get started.

Dance Teacher Image
AllPlay Dance Teacher Program
Access our online professional development program for dance teachers here
Buddy Image
AllPlay Dance Buddy Program
Access our online professional development program for buddies here
Family Program Image
AllPlay Dance program for families
Join this program if you have a child (aged 7-12 years) with autism who would like to participate in a free, inclusive dance research program.

Join the AllPlay Dance Program

Choose the program that best matches your role to get started.

Dance Teacher Image
AllPlay Dance Teacher Program
Access our online professional development program for dance teachers here
Buddy Image
AllPlay Dance Buddy Program
Access our online professional development program for buddies here
Family Program Image
AllPlay Dance program for families
Join this program if you have a child (aged 7-12 years) with autism who would like to participate in a free, inclusive dance research program.

Login to AllPlay Dance

Choose your role to continue

Login as Teacher
Access your teacher dashboard and professional development resources
Login as Buddy
Access your buddy dashboard and support resources