When Pearl’s mom reached out to the New York City Ballet about a dance program for children with special needs, she didn’t expect a response. Pearl has cerebral palsy, which affects body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture, and balance. But what resulted is nothing short of sheer joy. For everyone.

What they created became one of the few places these children were able to move freely without their usual braces and connect to their bodies outside of doctor’s offices. Out of the kindness of the Ballet’s heart, they opened up a whole new world for Pearl, and others in the community.