Check out our 21 Designs Store!! All art is made by the members of the Buddy House.
Check out our 21 Designs Store!! All art is made by the members of the Buddy House.
In 2005, several families from Down Syndrome of Southern Kentucky attended the Fired Up for Down Syndrome Conference in Brentwood, TN. The entertainment during the Saturday lunch was a troupe of dancers from Memphis, The group, Company D, was made up of dancers all born with Down syndrome. Everyone immediately noticed the maturity and confidence of each dancer performing. Not only were our families impressed with the performance, they were so inspired by the performance and wondered if they could start a group in Bowling Green, KY.
At the 2005 Buddy Walk, three Greenwood High students with Down syndrome performed a dance choreographed by a senior peer tutor at Greenwood. That marked the beginning of DSSKY’s dance team! Six others joined the team and name BG Rockerz was chosen. As the team grew to 15 members from 5 different counties, they become known as THE ROCKERZ! In 2016 we said goodbye to two very dear members, Angie and Paula. The ladies, who could still rock at age 55, were no longer able to dance with us because of illness and moving out of the state. Also in 2016, we welcomed a new member from Allen Co. Now the dance team is made up of members from 6 different counties in South Central KY.
We couldn’t have a dance team without the amazing support we receive from the families and our coaches. The Rockerz rehearse a minimum of once a week and usually perform 1-2 times a month. Both parents and dancers follow a strict guideline of rules and regulations to be in the group. THE ROCKERZ is not a dance activity for those with Down syndrome but a dance TEAM with the responsibility of learning and performing choreographed numbers for a 20 – 30 program.
THE ROCKERZ DANCE TEAM is often referred to as Down Syndrome of Southern Kentucky’s Ambassadors of Good Will and Hugs. Over the years the group has performed all over the state of Kentucky and in Tennessee. The program consists of a variety of songs and dances to entertain their audiences while advocating for all individuals with Down syndrome. There is laughter, there are a few tears, there is information shared about the accomplishments of each individual dancer. The joy from our ROCKERZ spills over into our audience and they leave with more understanding about abilities instead of disabilities and that those born with an extra chromosome are more alike than different!
For performance dates or to book a performance,
contact the Buddy House at (270)796-5002. or info@dssky.org
Alex is a graduate of Warren Central. He is a super fan of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. Alex is involved in Special Olympics and the WKU chapter of Best Buddies.
Cathy is 39 years old and lives in Bowling Green, Kentucky. She has been a member of the Rockerz since 2010 and a participant of the Buddy House since 2013. Cathy is a member of WKU’s Best Buddies. Cathy worked at Auntie Anne’s Pretzels for 16 years. Cathy has participated in Special Olympics for many years. Cathy would like to say that her boyfriend is Kevin, and they have been together for 11 years.
Walter saw the Rockerz perform in 2018 at the Buddy Walk and knew he wanted to be a part of the team when he moved to Kentucky. In Ohio, he performed ballroom dancing at their annual gala and also performed at their Buddy Walk. He loves participating in all the activities at the Buddy House and Special Olympics.
Zachary is a junior at Warren Central. He is very active in Special Olympics. He loves his girlfriend Sara. He also loves to be outside and mow the yard. He has three brothers, three dogs, and three cats!
I am Alan, I am 43 years old. I live in Glasgow. I have been on the Rockerz Dance team for 12 years. I love Barren County Trojans and go to all of their sports games. I am involved in lots of Special Olympics sports and enjoy them all.
I am 25 years old. I love to dance, help at our church, swim with Special Olympic, go to the Buddy House, and love all of my nieces and nephews.
I am 46 years old. I live in Glasgow, Kentucky. I’ve been a Rocker for a little over a year. I like to go to the Buddy House to learn and be a helper when needed. Kevin has a girlfriend Cathy, they have been boyfriend and girlfriend for 11 years.
David is 33 and loves dancing, watching movies, and hanging out with friends. He plays basketball with Special Olympics during basketball season. He also enjoys spending time with family whenever he can.
Darin is a very strong independent individual who has the biggest heart of anyone you will ever meet. He loves to dance and watch movies and is a very passionate person about the people and things he loves.
Tre is 27 years old. He is a graduate of Warren Central High School. He enjoys listening to music, playing instruments and basketball. The thing that warms his heart the most is making others smile.
Lee is the most declarated athlete in Special Olympics KY history. She has competed in gymnastics in China, Greece, United States, and Abu Dhabi. She will compete in June in Berlin, Germany. She was on a national championship cheer squad in Lexington. She competes in artistic and rhythmic gymnastics. She was selected to be included in a display in Washington in the Smithsonian Museum of American History for Special Olympics. She plays piano, loves to workout and perform.
Kate leads a very active and fulfilling life. In high school Kate led the students in the Pledge of Allegiance, was in four school musicals, watergirl for the volleyball team and was the football homecoming queen. Today Kate is still very active as a watergirl for WKU’s Lady Toppers Volleyball Team. She is a member of WKU’s chapter of Best Buddies, Inclusive Ministries Bible Study, Special Olympics Cheerleading, and of course the Rockerz!
Sara likes to dance, listen to music, and play with her dolls.
Brittany is originally from Morgantown but has lived in Bowling Green since 1997. She graduated from Greenwood High School in 2002. Brittany enjoys going to church, spending time with family and friends, Facebook, eating out and talking. In addition to the Rockerz dance team, she is a Special Olympics cheerleader. One of Brittany’s best qualities is that she will talk to anyone and she makes everyone feel included.
Shelly was born on October 22nd, 1979. She was born and raised in Russellville, KY. Shelly has three sisters and two brothers and loves to socialize with others. Shelly loves to sing and dance and also loves to bake various pies and cakes. She loves to travel. Shelly is a powerful prayer warrior. She is currently writing her own cookbook from various family recipes.
Mia Kizer is from Nashville, TN. She went to high school at Dayspring Academy and is currently studying Communication Disorders at WKU. She is super excited to be one of the Rockerz coaches this year! She says that it has been such a fun, positive experience for her, and can't wait to see what all they can accomplish in the years to come!
Hello! I’m Erica. I’m excited to assist with Rockerz dance team this year. I have two boys, Braden (22) and Harrison (7). I work as a Behavior Specialist and help individuals with special needs achieve a more independent life. I also adjunct instruct at WKU in the Special Education department. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, attending music or sporting events, and being active. I’m looking forward to being a part of the Rockerz team and getting to know everyone.
Any performance will have to be approved by Rockerz Coach, Parents, and DSSKY staff.
We will get back to you and let you know if we can participate in your event.
Down Syndrome of Southern Kentucky
522 State St. Bowling Green, KY 42101
Copyright © 2023 Down Syndrome of Southern Kentucky - All Rights Reserved.
info@dssky.org
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