The Rosedale School is a unique public campus within Austin Independent School District where students ages 3 – 22, from all over the district, have access to tailored educational opportunities that help increase their independence, improve self-esteem, develop life and work skills, and lead to a greater quality of life. Two major partners in the Art Spark Dance program were administration leaders at Rosedale School, Elizabeth Dickey and Brian Henry.
Elizabeth Dickey
As a former principal of the Rosedale School, Elizabeth Dickey had an ‘AHA’ moment the first time she witnessed students in wheelchairs moving in an accessible dance class. “I realized then that the Art Spark instructor was truly helping her students access movement and emotion in a way I had not seen before. If anyone was able to step into that moment, they would see sparkling eyes, joy-filled faces, emotional processing, and grace.”
These classes also provided a bridge for many of the Rosedale School staff members to gain a better understanding of what their students could do; what each student enjoyed in a way that wasn’t a traditional classroom or teaching experience. Partnering with Art Spark Texas provided a window to the ways that every individual connects with movement and music in a unique and meaningful way. It helped us to understand the power of small actions that can lead to big changes in people with high support needs.
Elizabeth believes Art Spark Texas is an art-focused, solution finder, making dance and art accessible and joyful to everyone.
Brian Henry
In 2025, Brian Henry, past President of the Rosedale Foundation, served as Master of Ceremonies for the Art Spark Texas Artist of the Year Awards. “Participating in the event gave me a deep introspective view into the freedom of identifying as an Artist,” he says thoughtfully. “That’s something I’ve been missing for many years.”
“When Principal Elizabeth Dickey and Art Spark’s Celia Hughes put their heads together to meet one of the many mandates for graduation sent along by the Texas Education Agency, the Rosedale Dance Program was born.” After initial funding from AISD’s Fine Arts Department, the Rosedale Foundation has provided the essential financial support to concertize this program as a major component in each student’s school-based experiences.
“The program creates a rare and powerful environment where individuals of all abilities can connect through creativity, movement, and joy,” says Brian. “Here at The Rosedale Foundation, we have seen the incredible impact that Art Spark has on students, teachers, families, and caregivers. It continues to strengthen inclusion, emotional wellness, and community engagement across the entire Rosedale community.”
