At Millikan High School, a unique and inclusive club called Rams Without Limits (RWOL) is beginning to leave its mark. Founded by Angie DelGaudio, captain of the Millikan Advanced Dance Team, the club provides a safe and supervised space for neurodiverse students to express themselves through dance.
Neurodiverse students are individuals with a disability or atypical patterns of thought or behavior, including students with autism and Down syndrome.
Inspired by her experiences working with neurodiverse students at a local nonprofit called Down for Dance, DelGaudio recognized the need for a more interactive and engaging space on Millikan’s campus. Although Club Inclusion already existed at Millikan, she believed there were more ways for students to be involved.
“I wanted to make a platform where we could use dance to create connections between our neurodiverse and neurotypical students on campus, and Rams Without Limits was born,” said DelGaudio.
Now every Wednesday, from 4-5 p.m. in the dance room, RWOL members come together for their weekly meetings. These meetings go beyond dance rehearsals, as they are a place for building meaningful connections with one another through choreography, dances, and interactive games.
DelGaudio, with her expertise in dance and a keen understanding of her students’ preferences, selects songs that are upbeat and enjoyable for the dancers. Each rehearsal introduces new steps, providing opportunities for the students to practice performance skills and build confidence. As the dancers become familiar with the songs, they feel more comfortable coming out of their shells and fully engaging in the dance routines. Senior Natalia Bateman expressed that learning new dances is “fun, exciting, and so much fun dancing.”
One highlight for RWOL members was their participation in the Millikan Dance winter show last year. Despite initial nerves, the club delivered a memorable hip-hop number that captivated the audience and showcased the talents and dedication of the dancers. The experience of performing on stage not only boosted their confidence, it also exemplified the sense of camaraderie and achievement within the club.
ROWL members also had the privilege of performing in the Millikan Dance spring show last school year, and the club is eager to perform in more shows in the future. With each opportunity on stage, they get the chance to show that dance is a universal language that can be done by all.
DelGaudio’s vision for RWOL extends far beyond the dance floor. She envisions the club as a platform where meaningful connections are forged. Believing in the power of dance to create connections, she has worked closely with her neurotypical volunteers, showing them the best practices for engaging with the neurodiverse community.
This dedication has resulted in a strong and passionate team committed to the growth of the club. These volunteers play an integral role in the RWOL community, embodying DelGaudo’s vision of creating meaningful connections beyond the dance floor. Their commitment goes beyond mere assistance; it’s about fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
In essence, the volunteers of RWOL are the backbone of its community, working tirelessly to uphold its values and ensure that every member feels seen, heard, and supported. Their willingness to volunteer their time and energy speaks volumes about their dedication to making a difference, one dance step at a time.
One of the weekly volunteers for RWOL, senior Shelby Edwards, stated, “I love that RWOL gives me the opportunity to make a small difference every week. Watching the dancers’ faces light up as they learn new dance steps and listen to music is beyond rewarding and reminds me why I love dance.”
Rams Without Limits is not merely a dance club; it’s highlighting the power of inclusion, friendship, and the universal language of dance. As RWOL continues to flourish, it stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing how a shared passion can bring students of all abilities together. Through dance, RWOL is breaking down barriers and building a community that fosters a sense of unity and belonging.
As for the future of Rams Without Limits, DelGaudio has already begun training the next generation of leaders in the best techniques for working with neurodiverse peers. The club will continue into the next school year under her guidance, along with Millikan Dance teacher Jennifer Waters. DelGaudio has also started the process for making the program into a nonprofit organization, with the hope that one day every LBUSD school will have an RWOL program.
Below are additional photos taken by student intern Charli Gonzalez
