Their dance moves make all the difference

A unique dance class for children with Down’s Syndrome hopes to move boundaries as well as bodies.
Sarah Marshall, general manager of e.motion21 Geelong, said challenging stereotypes was as important as offering exercise through dance.
“Through performances our dancers are demonstrating to the broader community that people with Down’s Syndrome can achieve amazing things given the right environment,” Ms Marshall said.
“Current statistics show that Down’s Syndrome is the largest cause of intellectual disability in Australian children and there are about 4000 people living with it in Victoria today.
“Often these individuals are shut out from opportunities to participate in activities many of us take for granted.”
“People with Down’s Syndrome are all friends, siblings, employees and volunteers but they also appreciate being together in their own social group.
Ms Marshall said children with Down’s Syndrome often made a “meaningful connection” with each other that was rarely replicated in other groups.
“We put on a performance at the end of every school term and also perform at mainstream events, such as Pako Festa,” she said.
“Everyone with Down’s Syndrome has the opportunity to come along and dance. We modify and mix the styles up a bit.
“We would love to get guest dance teachers from around the region who can come along and teach people with Down’s Syndrome.”
e.motion21 CEO Claire Vissenga said the organisation began in Kew in 2009 with six dancers and had expanded to 200 dancers at four metropolitan areas as well as to Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.
“Geelong has over 30 dancers, participating in dance and fitness classes each week ranging in age from four-year-olds to dancers in their late 30s.”
Contact Sarah Marshall on 0439 144 360 or visit emotion21.org.au.