Dancing Wheels
Dancing Wheels is a Cleveland-based nonprofit operating America's first professional physically integrated dance company and school, serving individuals with disabilities and broader communities through touring performances, dance education, teacher certification, and adaptive arts programming.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1980
- HeadquartersCleveland, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Dancing Wheels does
Dancing Wheels operates as Professional Flair, Inc., a Cleveland, Ohio-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates America's first professional physically integrated dance company and school. Founded in 1980 by Mary Verdi-Fletcher — who contributed to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act — the organization fields a core touring ensemble of approximately 10 stand-up and sit-down professional dancers that performs at 70+ locations annually under representation by KMP Artists. The complementary School of Dancing Wheels, established in 1990, serves 6,500+ students per year through classes, workshops, and educational programming.
The core product set is built around a proprietary "Physically Integrated Dance" methodology documented in a published training manual, structured across four teacher certification tiers (Level 1, Level 2, Intro Workshop, Individualized) and reinforced by a public global Certified Teachers directory. Productions are a second product line, with recent and upcoming works including "Puff the Magic Dragon!" (February 2026 premiere) and the 45th Anniversary Gala "Ladies of the '80s" (June 2026). A dementia-focused therapeutic dance program was added via the Dementia Friendly LIFE partnership in 2022. Distribution combines live touring, virtual classes (since 2016), and aggregator channels such as ClassPass.
The business model is multi-stream and small-ticket: per-session tuition priced at $120–$480, certification at $1,250 per level, summer workshops at $300–$350, studio rental at $35/hour, training manual sales, performance ticket revenue, and donations processed via PayPal. Customer segments span individuals with disabilities and their families, K-12 and community organizations, dance educators seeking certification, healthcare partners serving older adults, and institutional/individual donors. The 2025 creation of the Verdi-Fletcher Dance and Disability Scholarship Fund and the 2026 designation as an Access/VSA International Network Site point to a deliberate strategy of broadening geographic reach and donor base without scaling core headcount (currently ~10 employees).
Dancing Wheels firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Dancing Wheels
- Legal name
- Professional Flair, Inc.
- Website
- https://dancingwheels.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1980
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Dancing Wheels is a Cleveland-based nonprofit operating America's first professional physically integrated dance company and school, serving individuals with disabilities and broader communities through touring performances, dance education, teacher certification, and adaptive arts programming.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Dancing Wheels industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Performing Arts and Dance Education
- NAICS
- Fine Arts Schools (61161), Dance Companies (71112)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Dance Education (Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Cultural Dance) (EDAMAAAH)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Dance Festivals & Dance Series (MPAGADAJ)
Keywords
Where Dancing Wheels is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cleveland
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Dancing Wheels business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Class Tuition and Registration: The School of Dancing Wheels offers classes September through June for individuals of all abilities ages 3 & up. Tuition is structured per session with discounts for multiple classes per week and family enrollments.
- Educational Programs and Residencies: Customizable residencies, workshops, master classes, and assembly-based programs for schools (Pre-K through Grade 12) and community organizations. Programs can be customized in length and content.
- Teacher Certification Programs: Physically Integrated Dance Teacher Certification Levels 1 and 2, plus introductory workshops and individualized training programs. Tuition is $1,250 for Level 1 and Level 2 individually, with discounts for combined packages.
- Summer Dance Workshop: One-week summer program for dancers and movers ages 13 through adult featuring physically integrated dance technique and improvisation/composition classes. Tuition is $300 or $275 with early registration.
- Performance Tickets and Gala Events: Revenue from mainstage performances, gala benefit performances, and special events. VIP tickets and group rates available.
- Donations and Fundraising: The organization relies on donor support to provide scholarships and maintain operations. Accepts donations with 2.9% credit card processing fee.
- Studio Rental: State-of-the-art dance studio available for rental at $35/hour. The studio features white walls, mirrors, windows with roll-down shade, and a grey Marley over a sprung dance floor.
- Training Manual Sales: Sale of the Physically Integrated Dance Training Manual with DVD for $75, including domestic shipping.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Full Session Tuition (12 weeks) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Drop-in Rate |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Studio Rental |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Introductory Workshop |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Level 1 Teacher Certification |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Level 2 Teacher Certification |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Training Manual |
| Subscription | Annual | Summer Dance Workshop 2026 |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | 45th Anniversary Gala - Ladies of the '80s |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels10 records
Dancing Wheels product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Dancing Wheels Company & School operates America's first professional physically integrated dance company and a multi-arts school that delivers in-studio and online dance classes, touring performances, and community/educational programs for individuals of all abilities. It also runs a Teacher Certification program (Levels 1 and 2), sells a Physically Integrated Dance Training Manual, and offers studio rentals, summer workshops, and customized school and community residencies.
Product overview
Dancing Wheels offers a unified portfolio of physically integrated dance products and services centered on its professional dance company and multi-arts school. The core offering is the Dancing Wheels Company, America's first professional physically integrated dance company uniting stand-up and sit-down dancers. The School of Dancing Wheels (established 1990) provides training through in-studio and online classes for all ages and abilities. Supporting products include professional training programs: Teacher Certification (Level 1, Level 2, Introductory Workshop, Individualized Training), the Physically Integrated Dance Training Manual, Company Class drop-in sessions, and the Summer Dance Workshop. Community-facing services include Educational Programs (assemblies, residencies, workshops, master classes) and Community Programs/Outreach for disability service organizations. The Faculty of trained Teaching Artists delivers instruction, and a directory of Certified Teachers extends the methodology globally.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Dancing Wheels Company America's first professional physically integrated dance company, uniting stand-up and sit-down (wheelchair) dancers. Performs at over 70 locations annually, featuring works by nationally and internationally acclaimed choreographers and reaching millions through touring performances worldwide.
- School of Dancing Wheels Multi-arts school offering physically integrated dance classes for individuals of all abilities ages 3 and up, in-studio and online from September through June. Serves over 6,500 students annually across ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz funk, capoeira, and wheelchair technique.
- Teacher Certification Program (Levels 1 & 2) Comprehensive certification program teaching the Dancing Wheels methodology for physically integrated dance. Level 1 covers foundational principles (wheelchair mechanics, movement translation, lesson planning, accessibility evaluation); Level 2 (40 hours) covers intermediate-to-advanced wheelchair dance techniques, partnering, compositional structures, and original choreography. Certification valid for 3 years.
- Physically Integrated Dance Training Manual Comprehensive guide for teachers, choreographers, and students of all abilities, written by Mark Tomasic, Mary Verdi-Fletcher, and the Dancing Wheels Company & School. Includes DVD and costs $75 with domestic shipping.
- Educational Programs Programs for Pre-K through Grade 12 and college/university settings providing physically integrated dance experiences. Includes general and themed assemblies (story ballets, history, science), residencies (3-5 days to year-long), workshops (1-3 hours), and master classes. Uses Arts Integration and Universal Design for Learning frameworks.
- Community Programs and Outreach Outreach and community engagement programs bringing arts to community facilities, including one-day workshops to week-long residencies with professional dancers. Programs are customizable in length and content. Partners include Art Possible Ohio, MetroHealth, United Cerebral Palsy, Dementia Friendly LIFE, and others.
- Summer Dance Workshop One-week summer program for dancers and movers ages 13 through adult, directed by Sara Lawrence-Sucato. Features physically integrated dance technique, improvisation/composition, and new work development with a culminating showcase performance on Friday.
- Dancing Wheels Faculty (Teaching Artists) Teaching Artists trained in the Company's specific physically integrated dance technique, working with students of all ability levels. Includes Master Teaching Artists (Mary Verdi-Fletcher, Sara Lawrence-Sucato, Catherine Meredith, Mark Tomasic) and additional certified teaching artists.
- 45th Anniversary Gala - Ladies of the '80s 45th Anniversary Gala Benefit Performance 'Ladies of the '80s!' premiering at Playhouse Square - Mimi Ohio Theatre on June 13, 2026, featuring choreography by Dianne McIntyre, Annette Ellis, and Angelina DiFranco. VIP tickets $150 per person; group of 10 at $35/ticket ($350 total); general admission through Playhouse Square.
- Puff the Magic Dragon! (premiere) Dancing Wheels Company presentation of 'Puff the Magic Dragon!' scheduled to premiere on February 7, 2026 at Rickel Theater within Royce Hall at Lake Erie College in Painesville, OH. A heartwarming story about a lonely child who transcends fears by creating an imaginary friend.
- Verdi-Fletcher Dance and Disability Scholarship Fund Scholarship fund providing up to $5,000 for aspiring dancers with physical disabilities and for dance instructors seeking physically integrated dance training. Created by Robert Fletcher, Susan Ingle, and Mary Verdi-Fletcher and administered in partnership with the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 6.5 million people reached since 1980
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Dancing Wheels
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Dancing Wheels technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature4 records
Dancing Wheels partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Dementia Friendly LIFEcoreLandmark collaboration to bring awareness and support to caregivers and patients with dementia. Joint program 'Making Memories Continues' featuring dynamic dance, memorable music, and enlightening information celebrating union of arts, access, and inclusion.
- KMP ArtistscoreDancing Wheels is represented by KMP Artists for booking and touring. Contact: www.kmpartists.com/#dance, [email protected], phone: (512) 888-9895. KMP Artists handles all booking inquiries for the company.
- Art Possible OhiocoreCommunity partner for outreach programming. Art Possible Ohio works with disability organizations to provide arts access.
- Center for Arts-Inspired LearningcoreCAL is a roster artist organization. Contact CAL with dance residency and workshop inquiries. Partner for residencies and in-studio classes in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.
- DanceClevelandcoreCommunity partner with whom outreach programming has been done. DanceCleveland promotes dance in the Cleveland area.
- MetroHealthminorPartner for residencies, workshops, and outreach programming at Cleveland and Northeast Ohio-based organizations.
- United Cerebral PalsycoreCommunity partner for outreach programming. UCP provides services to people with disabilities.
- Access/VSA International NetworkcoreJean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program Site for 2026. Allows Dancing Wheels to offer programming at various locations through the international network.
- Cleveland Arts Education ConsortiumminorMember of CAEC. Programs available through the free-to-download Ready2Go directory.
- Ohio Alliance for Arts EducationcorePartner for Verdi-Fletcher Dance and Disability Scholarship Fund. Applications managed through OAAE website with guidance from Ohio Arts Council. Up to $5,000 in scholarships available.
- OhioDanceminorDancing Wheels participates in OhioDance Festival and programs. Featured in OhioDance Virtual Dance Collection.
- Youth ChallengeminorCommunity partner for outreach programming.
- Carolyn L. Farrell FoundationminorCommunity partner for outreach programming.
- Our Lady of the WaysideminorCommunity partner for outreach programming.
- Julie Billiart SchoolminorCommunity partner for residencies and educational programming.
- Playhouse SquarecoreVenue for major performances including the 45th Anniversary Gala 'Ladies of the 80s' at the Mimi Ohio Theatre. Dancing Wheels performs at Playhouse Square for various showcases and special events.
- The Movement ProjectminorDanced at CDF Akron Concert Series. Partnership for dance programming and performances.
- Cleveland Cavaliers Scream TeamminorZach Biggs, company dancer, also dances for the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team.
- Cleveland Department of Veterans AffairsminorPartner for residencies and educational programming.
- Cleveland Play HouseminorPartner for residencies and educational programming.
- Cleveland Sight CenterminorPartner for residencies serving people with visual impairments.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves11 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Dancing Wheels competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Cleveland Play House: Cleveland-based regional theatre partner that hosts Dancing Wheels residencies and educational programming. Adjacent performing-arts organization in the same regional market, sharing venue and community partners but not a direct dance competitor.
Others
- KMP Artists: Performing-arts booking agency that represents Dancing Wheels for touring engagements. Comparable as an ecosystem enabler (channel partner) rather than a competitor; relevant for understanding Dancing Wheels' touring distribution model.
Broad incumbents
- Dance/USA: National service organization for the professional dance field, providing advocacy, research, and convening. Has recognized Dancing Wheels' founder with its 2018 Trustees Award; serves the same broader dance ecosystem but as an umbrella body rather than a performing company.
- Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Premier U.S. modern dance company with a large school and national/international touring operation. Operates broadly in the same professional dance space as Dancing Wheels but is far larger and does not specialize in physically integrated work.
Direct peers
- Marc Brew Dance: International physically integrated dance company led by choreographer Marc Brew (a Dancing Wheels-collaborator per repertory credits), creating touring work and inclusive dance workshops analogous to Dancing Wheels' offerings.
- Candoco Dance Company: UK-based professional physically integrated dance company producing touring performances and education programs with disabled and non-disabled dancers. Mirrors Dancing Wheels' combination of repertory company, school, and teacher training.
- AXIS Dance Company: Oakland-based physically integrated dance company producing and presenting work by disabled and non-disabled dancers. Closest U.S. direct peer to Dancing Wheels, operating a touring company plus education/outreach programs for the same inclusive-dance audience.
- StopGAP Dance Company: Canadian integrated dance company creating professional work with disabled and non-disabled dancers and delivering educational outreach. Comparable peer in mission, touring model, and inclusive-dance pedagogy.
- Infinity Dance Theater: New York-based physically integrated dance company and school founded by a wheelchair dancer, offering classes, performances, and outreach for dancers with and without disabilities - directly comparable mission and product mix to Dancing Wheels.
Emerging players
- National Disability Theatre: U.S. nonprofit producing professional theatre featuring disabled artists, with growing programming and partnerships across disability arts. Overlaps with Dancing Wheels in mission, disability arts ecosystem, and outreach programming but focuses on theatre rather than dance.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Dancing Wheels social profiles
Digital presenceDancing Wheels compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Dancing Wheels financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Dancing Wheels leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Dancing Wheels funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Dancing Wheels M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Dancing Wheels
What does Dancing Wheels do?
Dancing Wheels Company & School operates America's first professional physically integrated dance company and a multi-arts school that delivers in-studio and online dance classes, touring performances, and community/educational programs for individuals of all abilities. It also runs a Teacher Certification program (Levels 1 and 2), sells a Physically Integrated Dance Training Manual, and offers studio rentals, summer workshops, and customized school and community residencies.
Is Dancing Wheels a public or private company?
Dancing Wheels is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Dancing Wheels founded?
Dancing Wheels was founded in 1980. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Dancing Wheels based?
Dancing Wheels is headquartered in Cleveland, United States, in the North America region.
How does Dancing Wheels make money?
Eight revenue lines are on record. Class Tuition and Registration is the primary driver. The others are educational Programs and Residencies, teacher Certification Programs, summer Dance Workshop, performance Tickets and Gala Events, donations and Fundraising, studio Rental and training Manual Sales.
Who are Dancing Wheels's main competitors?
Cleveland Play House is listed as a regional player. KMP Artists is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are Dance/USA and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Direct peers are Marc Brew Dance, Candoco Dance Company, AXIS Dance Company, StopGAP Dance Company and Infinity Dance Theater. National Disability Theatre is listed as an emerging player.
Does Dancing Wheels have an API?
No public API is recorded for Dancing Wheels.
What industry is Dancing Wheels in?
Dancing Wheels's product category is Performing Arts and Dance Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAMAAAH, Dance Education (Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Cultural Dance), with a secondary code of MPAGADAJ, Dance Festivals & Dance Series. Its NAICS code is 61161 and its SIC code is 8200.