'Arts for All!' Can I Dance Too?

Abstract

"I always wanted to dance…but Mom said we were too poor! Dad only wanted me to dance for him…I was too fat…I was stupid…too clumsy…so I sat in a corner.''

It is time we start exploring how the field of creative arts can be utilised to serve everyone regardless of age, race, gender, ability or needs. The field of creative arts has great potential for going beyond its normal, conventional and traditional purpose of entertainment. A creative mind combined with a creative body enables one to be self-expressive and self-defined. A child, regardless of needs or abilities, is full of curiosity and imagination and is uninhibited in movement expressions, which creates an excellent foundation for providing creative movement experiences, drama and role-playing that will assist children of all ages to further:

1. Develop their socio-emotional domain;


2. Enhance cognitive understanding; and


3. Stimulate creativity, thus becoming unique individuals.

This project explores alternative ways of utilising the arts to help 'traumatised' children discover the 'self'', 'step out and be seen', 'speak up and be heard', and 'feel and be felt'.