A determined little dancer
Owner of Infinite Dance, Denise Danzo (center), coached Sloan Ball (6) in her leading role in the studio’s annual recital of Mother Goose. Also pictured are Sloane’s mother, Tiffany (right), and lead dancer as Mother Goose, Maddie (left).
Sloane Ball is a 6-year-old student, a daughter and a dancer. She and her parents, Tiffany and Eric, and big brother Aiden (10) live in the Castle Valley neighborhood.
Sloane was born with a rare, craniofacial genetic condition called Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS). She has an undersized jaw, no cheekbones and no external ears.
As a result, Sloane wears hearing aids, has a feeding tube, and has a tracheostomy even after more than 20 surgeries to correct issues with her airway.
“As Sloane grew up, we knew we had to find ways to get past stigma with her face and the extra equipment and find safe ways for her to experience the world,” explained Tiffany.
Sloane’s condition does not stop her from following her passions.
As a former dancer, Tiffany wanted Sloane to have the same experience. Many dance studios turned Sloane away until Tiffany found Infinite Dance on Village Square Lane.
Owner Denise Danzo welcomed Sloane, saw her potential and coached her into being a confident dancer.
“Denise gave Sloane a chance that many others were not willing to risk,” said Tiffany.
This year, Infinite Dance performed their yearly recital with the theme of Mother Goose, and Denise asked Sloane to dance in one of the leading roles, which required extra rehearsals and long hours of practice.
“With past experiences, my students who are a little different are so dear to me; they have a special place in my heart,” said Denise. “Literally, from the moment I first met Sloane, I fell in love with her. She is the most determined little girl I have ever met!” Denise continued, “She’s smart, a very good dancer with real talent, and she’s even a little sassy,” shared Denise. “I love all that about her.”
The Ball family celebrated Sloane’s performance and they are incredibly grateful to Denise.
“Despite Sloane’s accessories and little ‘extras,’ Denise saw a determined little dancer who could do something hard and allowed her the opportunity to grow,” said Tiffany.
This fall, Sloane will be a first grader at American Academy, and when she is not dancing, she plays soccer and enjoys being with her friends.
“We believe as her parents that Sloane is thriving because her community is thriving and has allowed her to become the incredible girl that she is!” concluded Tiffany.
Sloane Ball (6) was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, but that does not slow her down. She put in many extra hours of rehearsal time for her role in Infinite Dance’s recent production.
Despite some physical challenges, Sloane Ball lives life to the fullest. Here she is earlier this year at American Academy’s Daddy/Daughter Dance.
By Hollen Wheeler; photos courtesy of Tiffany Ball
