BENGALURU: Down syndrome is not a disease, but a condition that can be worked on so that children lead semi-independent lives, says renowned Kathak dancer Simran Godwani. Her love for dance and kids led Simran, artistic director of Krshálá Dance Theatre, to teach children with special conditions such as Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism.
Over the years, she created a programme for children with Down Syndrome (DS) called Downs Syndrome Dance Therapy (DSDT), a teaching method based on the systematic application of movement, music and dance principles combining movement-oriented sequence of dance patterns and free-flowing movement techniques allowing every child with DS to understand his/her body better and to work on the body muscles that require strengthening.
She says, “This programme is derived integrating the Indian classical dance form of Kathak and yoga. It is an integrated programme and children from the age of six are taken in for this programme.
A few years ago, I used to teach in schools and many would request me to teach their children with special needs. That’s how I got the idea to develop this programme.”
Dealing with Hyperactive Kids
Teaching children with Down Syndrome can be challenging. She adds, “Children with this condition are mostly hyperactive. You need to be very careful when you teach them movements. It should not lead to any injuries. It is quite common for them to develop hip dysplasia. So, you need to start with some slow movements and then increase the pace.”
She feels there is still lot of stigma about the condition and parents hesitate to join their children in a regular dance class.
“They fear they might be treated badly by other children. But it’s all in their minds. Other children are too young to understand if they are suffering from other conditions. They might just notice some changes but these things are never in their minds. Some parents are willing to work with their children and dancers. They have observed the improvements in their postures and their muscles strengthening.”
Latha G, mother of nine-year-old Aditya says that he had been taking the movement therapy from Simran and has seen a drastic change in her son. “His postures and intellectual abilities have improved. He now goes to a regular school.
He’s slow in his academics, but manages to cope. Simran teaches children with latest songs. So, that’s an advantage. He can dance to the latest chartbusters and that gives him an edge over the other children.”
Shaking It Off
Simran recalls his earlier days at the class. “When he came to the class about five years ago, he wouldn’t do anything for the first few days. He sat and observed the class. It takes a while for them to understand the space. He was extremely flexible. But slowly he started remembering the steps and doing it effortlessly.” Latha says he was not even able to walk properly then.
“But after a year, he performed on stage. He missed a few steps in between though, but it was a magical moment for us to see him perform with other children.”
With an aim to create awareness about the condition and make dance an enjoyable experience for children with special needs and help them improve their well being, Simran is organising a workshop “How Movement/ Dance Therapy is effective for Children with Down Syndrome” at The Golden Spa & Resorts on Friday from 11 am to 12 pm.