Creativity, an answer?
PAROMITA PAIN
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Try Creative Movement Education for holistic development.
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Healing powers of dance.
Armed with a doctorate in Natya Abhinaya from the University of Madras, Dr Ambika Kameswar, the Director of RASA — Ramana Sunritya Aalaya, a recognised special school started the Theatre for Holistic Development (THD). It was to help to conceptualise the healing powers of art to help the differently abled. Explaining the nuances of her teaching and rehabilitation methods, she says, "I prepared a method comprising music, dance, drama, story telling and other aspects of theatre called the C.M.E, or Creative Movement Education, later called THD since it covered its scope better. More than mere performing art, dance is a tool to help children with physical and mental handicaps use their limbs freely. I researched for years, met dance movement therapy specialists like Ms. Diana Cooper (Movement Educator, London School of Speech and Drama, U.K.) and Ms. Barbara Cortez Greig (Dance Therapist) to fine-tune this theory."
Therapeutic goals are set after a complete assessment of the current capacity of children with mental retardation, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, autism spectrum disorder or learning disability.
Non-threatening and fun, THD helps children become more aware of their minds and capabilities, learn self-help skills and feel empowered. The limitless scope of the creative arts provides ample opportunity to tailor make developmental lesson plans and address diverse levels of disabilities.
It's about dance and song
At RASA, children dance for mobility training and sing to better their vocal skills. Drama teaches them interpersonal skills while art and crafts help in concept development. The school functions in nine groups of different levels, called I.D.T.P., Buds, Blooms, Blossoms and Shrishti. The focus of each group is different. RASA has training modules started in 1994, with a Teachers Training Diploma Course to train people working with THD and special needs, with inputs in Anatomy, Physiology, Psychology, Rehabilitation, Child Development, and study of various disabilities and application of Movement as Therapy. Experts from the respective fields conduct classes. This course is affiliated to the School of Distance Education of Mother Teresa Women's University, Kodaikanal.
The Volunteer Orientation Programme is a two-week intensive programme for those interested in knowing about the various aspects of theatre and its use in helping the disabled.
THD in mainstream schools could help to lessen stress levels of children. While it is scientific and universally applicable, time is a huge investment here. Hence it could be used as a constructive change from routine learning. It is ideal in situations where active learning is of paramount importance.
Contact RASA at 47, First Main Road, R. K. Nagar, Chennai Ph( 044)24939916.
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