Gigi Art of dance recognizes how dance belongs to anyone, without exception for disabled people. The dance school welcomes students with Down syndrome to show that nothing should get in the way of expressing his creativity.
Some people may think that dance is only for those who are born with talents perfectly perform a pirouette, split or threw . Fortunately, these views may not be exactly true. Although it may take some serious work to be a professional dancer, expressing oneself through movement based solely on his training. Accordingly, dancing requires no specific ability, but the will.
For Gigi Art of Dance, a dance school opened in 2009 by professional dancer Gianti Giadi, dance up to each of us and aim for self-expression can be accomplished by a no one. As a platform for dance lovers, the school offers nearly 30 classes, including Broadway Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, traditional, K-Pop, and the same class mom. The school invites students from different backgrounds, ranging from the age of two to 45 years. Some even hail from different countries, namely the United States and Singapore. This diversity is also incorporated in the fact that Gigi Art of Dance welcomes students with Down syndrome.
Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by error in cell division, which in turn generates an additional chromosome 21, also known as Trimony 21. This deteriorates therefore the physical and intellectual development, that many see as an obstacle when one wishes to be involved in the arts.
When Gigi Art of Dance has offered the opportunity to work with a basic Ikatan Sindroma Down Down syndrome Indonesia, Giadi was eager to work with a united goal of awareness of the disease.
One of the teachers of the class of Down syndrome, Syahna Karina (who is also a student at Gigi Art of Dance), admits that his experience of teaching this class is fun but difficult. "To teach them, you need to be any extra: extra patient, additional hype, make an extra effort to explain and to approach them, and you also have to think about additional [ sic ] about the choreography because they are not like the usual dancers, "Syahna actions
students with Down syndrome all have very different dance skills. some of them find it easier to catch movements while others have to work harder. Syahna also tells of times when his students at times do not feel like dancing and instead sat in the corner, cry, shout, or do just nothing. to manage this situation, it must directly address the students and find ways to comfort them.
as a teacher, Syahna admit the need for a deeper understanding to encourage his students to dance. They can not be forced to do things they do not feel comfortable or are not interested. The key, Syahna, is to keep them in a good mood so they will be ready to dance.
For these reasons, the choreography for Down syndrome must be carefully thought out in regard to the variable level of capacity students. Even after careful consideration, the execution does not always follow, and therefore adjustments need to be made quickly. As explained Syahna, "First, I discuss the choreography with other teachers. On the ground, we give them the instructions and then we'll see if there must be adjustments, which, of course, there will be. "
But despite shortcomings and lack occasionally motivating students, when it comes to show time, they always manage to deliver their talents. Syahna wonders how, regardless of the challenges, things usually end up falling into place. "I do not know why, but miracles still occur on the day of the show. the whole world on stage is so focused and united "
Down Syndrome students on stage. | Gigi courtesy of Photo Art of Dance
Earlier this year, Ikatan Sindroma Netherlands Indonesian students had the chance to perform in Dance Awards, where they appeared on stage without any assistance for first time wearing hero themed costumes. There is a year the students also joined World Dance Alliance in Singapore, where they were welcomed by teachers to do well. Most of the time, their performances move the public and it is not uncommon for them to even shed a tear.
At the end of the day, what matters is the students enjoy their time on stage. Syahna reveals that she could not ask for more if students have done their best. "You can see they work really hard and their faces light up on stage," she said.
Students Gigi Art of Dance embody how everyone, despite their constraints, may find creative ways to express themselves. whether through dance or other forms of expression, we must all remember that everyone, including people with disabilities, can find ways to channel their creativity.
for more information on Down and other classes syndrome, please visit www.gigiartofdance.com