Teacher Changes Student's Lives with Ballet

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

MOORE, Oklahoma -- Out of her own pocket, a teacher from Moore is helping to change the lives of students and parents. Her program is a first for an Oklahoma Public School.

At Southgate Rippetoe Elementary in Moore there is a much adored teacher named Candace Looper who's putting a new spin on special education by teaching special needs student's ballet.

"Some of them have cerebral palsy, one child is deaf and blind, some of them have autism," said Candace.

Through pointed ballerina toes, and ballerina arms, this teacher is bringing more than dance moves, she's brought a new perspective.

"Everything says what the children can't do, but what we're doing is showing people that they can do," Candace said.

In one year, Miss Candace's special dreams ballet has gone from idea, to class, to stage. A moment for Timber Dysart whose parents once thought an opportunity to shine on stage might not exist.

"Words really can't describe what she has done for me as a parent. To see my daughter up there, it's just unbelievable," mom Michelle Dysart said.

Each ballerina has a 6th grade helper, like Paige Guyer, who gives up recess time to work with Miss Candace's kids.

"This is their time to shine," Paige said. "It's meant the world to me just the look on their faces and just what they've learned and what I've learned from them."

What she's learned is perserverance, patience, and a new goal.

"I've always wanted to be like a hair stylist person, but now seeing them and how happy they are, I want to be a special needs teacher," Paige said.

Proof, each week Miss Candace has taught lessons well beyond ballet.

"Those things are really important and of course just the fun of being a princess for a half hour each week," said Candace.

As Colleen mentioned, Candace pays for everything in the class out of her own pocket. She hopes to expand the program, and the students have a wish list of things they need.

You can drop off the following items at Southgate Rippetoe Elementary, 500 N. Norman Ave. Moore, 735-4480:

-2 pink mats
-CD Player
-Tulle
-Tutus
-Portable ballet barre