Where
NYT Kids Sensory Gym and Speech Language Center299 Hallock Ave
Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
Driving Directions
RATE: $40.00 per family
Sensory Steps Interactive Workshop
If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, then “Sensory Steps: A Movement Intervention” is right for you!
A practical, hands-on movement intervention (for children ages five and above), Sensory Steps offers a therapeutic understanding wrapped in an artistic package; the goal of which is to provide lasting change.
Sensory Steps is movement therapy taught by dancer Ellen Kogan. However, Ms. Kogan is also an occupational therapist, which lifts the program above traditional dance education, in order to address specific motor control issues affecting the lives of children. The result is a joyous dance experience that helps children move more effectively in their schools, homes and communities.
After a 20-minute introduction to the program, parents will work alongside their child in the session. It's a fun way for parents to help their child feel comfortable, enter the child's world and learn new ways to integrate movement practices into everyday interactions.
Sensory Steps is a highly structured approach using music, visual cues and props. Saturday's session will emphasize body awareness. As part of the dance experience, there is also a strong focus on social cohesiveness, teamwork, cognition, individuality, expressiveness, attention and sense of self
Comfortable clothing is recommended
Speaker Bio:
Ellen Kogan MA, OTR/L
Ellen Kogan is a professional dance artist turned occupational therapist. She has had extensive involvement with movement and dance for over 40 years and is recognized and respected in both the dance world and as an occupational therapist. As a dancer, she appeared at major theaters and festivals worldwide. She was funded by the National Endowment for the Arts for seven consecutive years and The New York State Council of the Arts and has had works commissioned for her by Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival and the Charles Weidman Foundation. She has been on the faculties of The Julliard School, Sarah Lawrence College, Lincoln Center Institute of the Arts and Education, New York University, Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival and the Laban Center for Movement and Dance in England. In 2001, Ms. Kogan received a degree in occupational therapy and in 2007 created a movement program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other neurological disabilities to help them move more effectively, learn better and improve social skills. Sensory Steps – A Movement Intervention was presented in 2013 as part of the “Very Special Arts Program” at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in DC where it was recognized for its relevance to arts and children with special needs. It was presented again in 2014 at the Young Child Expo and Conference in Manhattan and The Prevent Child Abuse in Albany, and between 2014 - 2017 at The New York Therapy Placement Services in Manhattan and Queens. In 2016, as part of the Dance Motion USA/BAM program, Ms. Kogan give a two day pre-tour intensive called “A Therapeutic Approach In An Artistic Package” to the Limon Dance Company in NYC, to prepare the company member to work with disabilities in Africa. Most recently, under the auspices of The John Mead Dance Company, Sensory Steps was presented to dancers, educators and service providers in The Singapore School System as part of a 3 week residency in Southeast Asia. Ellen Kogan holds a BA in Dance from University of California, a MA in Dance from University of California at Los Angeles, a certificate in Dance Therapy and a MA in Occupational Therapy from New York University.