Bethune Theatredanse was the first professional dance company in America to create a participatory program for disabled youth. A pioneer in the Arts and Disability Movement, Infinite Dreams has been copied worldwide. In 1982, under Zina Bethune’s tutelage, youth began formal study in dance. In its debut season, Infinite Dreams culminated with a performance at the Very Special Arts Festival in April 1983, with a single class of 30 students.  

Today, at over a dozen school and community sites throughout greater Los Angeles, Pasadena, Orange County, and Long Beach, Infinite Dreams offers dance and drama classes to hundreds of students and is proud of its 7,000 graduates. As a result of their personal participation in the arts, these special individuals are able to expand their quality of life and affirm their own unique capabilities.

Watch Video of Bethune Theatredanse.

Watch Video of Infinite Dreams Performance and Classroom Part 1.

Watch Video of Infinite Dreams Perfomance and Classroom Part 2.

"The arts of dance and drama can really transcend all the physical and stereotypical limitations. After all, the spirit isn't disabled.” – Zina Bethune, Artistic Director

Performances Around Town, Around the World, and on TV 

The Bethune Theatredanse and Infinite Dreams have performed at the White House, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., and have toured China, Japan, Canada, Switzerland, and Italy.

Infinite Dreams students have performed at the Disneyland Space Theatre, the Young Audiences Concert Series, Reagan Library, Kidspace and the Pasadena Armory. Additionally, students have been featured artists in Bethune Theatredanse professional company performances, and on regional and national television shows on ABC, CBS, NBC, KTLA, as well as a feature story on KCET’s (PBS) "California Stories." The children of Infinite Dreams have participated in programs at numerous Special Arts Festivals, charity fundraisers, telethons, the Special Olympics, Shanes Inspiration and Council for Exceptional Children galas.

Artistic Director, Zina Bethune and Infinite Dreams wheelchair dancer, Sara Anderson, danced at the White House and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which was subsequently televised on the NBC special, "From the Heart." Infinite Dreams and Zina Bethune were also the subjects of ABC's "Heroes - Made in the U.S.A."

Proud Accomplishments 

"I commend you for your exemplary commitment to improving our world.” – Former President Bill Clinton

"Infinite Dreams embraces the premise that through a vision of society as a true tapestry of inclusion, the spirit is limitless. By focusing attention on disability as an area of experience, you raise the consciousness of society and enrich the quality of all our lives.” – John P. Connolly, Executive Director, Actor’s Equity

Infinite Dreams has received commendations from Presidents Bush, Clinton and Reagan, Los Angeles mayors Villaraigosa, Hahn, Riordan and Bradley, as well as Senator Diane Feinstein. Named an Exemplary Program by the National Endowment for the Arts, Infinite Dreams has been the recipient of countless community service awards and citations from organizations including the Governor's committee for Employment of the Disabled, the Media Access Award, the Pasadena Mayor'sCommittee, the CeCe Robinson Award, Los Angeles Unified School District, and CBS’s “Women of the Week”. Additionally, Infinite Dreams received the Medaille d’Excellence from the United Nations, World Wins Corporation, USA Today’s prestigious Hollywood Hero Award and Actor’s Equity’s Rosetta Le Noire Award.

The program is strongly rooted in the arts as a creative form to aid in the social and developmental education of the students we serve. The Infinite Dreams program supports goals established by the Los Angeles Unified School District so that “…all vestiges of a hostile environment for students with disabilities will be eliminated” (Strategic Plan, Los Angeles Unified School District).

"Infinite Dreams, while not intending to be a therapy program, often finds exceptional changes and success with children who live very confined lives. We refuse to work with the idea of limitations. ” – Zina Bethune, Founder and Artistic Director

"Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of the Infinite Dreams program is the philosophy behind the program: Everyone can dance. This program reaches each student at his/her level. It accepts a student for who they are and gradually increases his/her level of expertise. ” – Julia Hahn, CMT, Anaheim Union High School District

Awards and Commendations 

• White House Commendation from President Clinton
• White House Commendation from President George H. Bush
• White House Commendation from President Ronald Reagan
• United States Commendation from Senator Dianne Feinstein
• Los Angeles Commendation from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
• Los Angeles Commendation from Mayor James K. Hahn
• Los Angeles Commendation from Mayor Richard J. Riordan
• Los Angeles Commendation from Mayor Tom Bradley
• New York City Commendation from Mayor’s Office
• Medaille d’Excellence- The United Nations- World Wins Corporation
• Cece Robinson Award- California Governor’s Committee for the Employment of the Disabled
• Pasadena Mayor Committee For the Employment of the Disabled
• Media Access Award for Excellence- PBS Documentary “Heart Dancing”
• Certificate of Recognition- Los Angeles Unified School District • USA Today’s Inaugural Hollywood Hero Award for Zina Bethune’s contribution to the community through Infinite Dreams
• Honoring Life Award
• Rosetta Le Noire Award- Actor’s Equity