5 minute read
Dance is for everyone
ISTD teachers give their perspectives on teaching dancers with disabilities
Registered teacher, Sarah Wilkins gives her perspective on teaching her son, who has Achondroplasia, to dance.
I am a mother and teacher of a young person who has Achondroplasia (dwarfism). My son started class, aged 3 and is still dancing today, now aged 30. Ben was always a lot smaller than his classmates but this never stopped him. He took Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing exams from Primary to Advanced 2 Tap (Distinction). We found ways of overcoming his problems by talking to him to find the best way of doing things. For example, abdominal exercises in Modern Theatre syllabi caused problems: due to short leg length and long spine he was unable to sit from a lying position, so we therefore had someone hold his feet. In Ballet, he could not reach the barre, so he held the back of a chair. These problems were easily overcome to enable him to spend many happy hours dancing with his friends and achieving.
Ben in dance class
However, sadly this is not always the case. I have been told of a young girl who was told by a dance teacher that she could not take ballet classes as it would be “too hard for her”. A young man, who suffered from shin splints as a child was not allowed to wear cushioned jazz shoes and another young man was not able to “slightly” adapt a set dance and therefore the teacher said he could not take that exam.
No child should be excluded and if there is a way to adapt the exercises, I strongly advise the teacher to “talk”. In my experience, the young person will come up with a way round their own personal problems. Talk to the Society, and together a way can be found to allow each person to reach their full potential, enjoy their time in dance classes and be treated equally.
Courage, perseverance and self-belief
Registered dance teachers in Italy, Cheryl Gill and Diane Durant, share their perspectives on teaching David, who has Down’s Syndrome
Cheryl’s story
Not only am I one of David’s teachers at the Academy of Dance in Bari, Italy – I am also David’s mum.
As a child David often enjoyed watching lessons and show rehearsals, especially when his close family friends were dancing.
David has a cheerful, friendly but strong personality. Due to his kind nature he was able to mix easily with most children. However, he did have a problem understanding how much affection he was able to show and give, and although this was not an issue with older students or those who knew him well, it could be for children who saw him less frequently.
During his second year at dance school David helped assist the children in a Pre-Primary open class. This was a massive challenge for him. All of a sudden he was an “older” David, with a huge responsibility, and he realised he could only touch gently or maybe not at all. The children completely accepted him. I personally, as his mum, found this such a big step for him and for all involved.
David
There were reasons why David waited until he was 14 to train. Although he was in class with younger children he knew that he was older and had to behave with respect and discipline. This, in time, he accomplished more and more and was able to organise himself between classes, during rehearsals and even backstage in the theatre.
He soon became more aware of his body and how he was developing muscle strength. His doctors also began to notice physically how his body and posture was improving. His “strong point” you could say were his loose ligaments and the facility this gave him. However, he had low muscle tone and tended to be overweight as many people with Down’s Syndrome are.
Working with a sound dance training has enabled him to achieve a physique that I never thought possible. Of course, he always has to be careful of his weight but he also understands what he needs to eat and how to control his daily diet.
David’s love, passion and determination is recognised by all who know him and even those he has never met. He is proof that great things can be achieved with courage, perseverance and self-belief.
Diane’s story
Teaching David is a very positive experience. I realised it was very important to treat David as I would any other pupil, which made him feel part of the class. During the 15 years I have taught him we have developed a wonderful relationship. I am his teacher and he always respects this, but I am also his friend and someone he feels happy to be with. David’s goal was to be able to take an exam “like everyone else” and together with two children from his class we entered him for his Grade 2 ballet. The moment he ran through the door I knew we had done the right thing; it was a very emotional moment. He continued taking his class exams with me present, as this gave him more security. The examiners were so understanding and gave merit to David where possible. There wasn’t one exam where I came out dry eyed. Definitely an experience to cherish.
David at the Academy of Dance in Bari, Italy
