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PROJECT CONNECT Specialized Dance Sessions for Very Special People |
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Specialized Dance/Movement Sessions are being offered to children and young adults with
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DANCE/MOVEMENT FOR ADHD INDIVIDUALS
This initiative is based on findings that a large number of individuals with ADHD exhibit distinct artistic traits. At the same time they exhibit a distinct disinterest in academic activities. This being the case, when placed in academic environments that lack creative outlets for self-expression like the traditional classroom or workplace, ADHD individuals feel stifled and frustrated. Compounded by problems of inattention, focusing, fidgetiness, and low social skills, they are often made to appear as if they have a learning disability, which leads to low self-esteem among ADHD individuals. The creative and enjoyable activity of dance has been known to provide a boost to their confidence and social well-being. With its structured, rhythmic movements and expressive gestures, dance gives ample scope for both bodily exercise and self-expression. Immersion in the physical aspect of dance will help keep their system oxygenated and energized, while the creative aspect will help lead them to shed their inhibitions, explore, experience and express with complete freedom. In dance sessions, self-awareness, group awareness, and group interaction take place in a creative environment that is more nurturing than the competitive environment of team sports, which is better suited for ADHD individuals. Most significantly the self-confidence these sessions foster, will facilitate the easy transfer to real life skills learnt through dance and exploration of movement. These are: Self awareness, Team awareness, Relationship awareness, Concept awareness (of levels, directions, colors, shapes, energy and space), Improvisation, Expressing emotions, Overcoming inhibitions, Risk taking, and Problem solving. The dance specialist will individualize the dance sessions to suit each individual or individual group in collaboration with health care professionals, counselors, teachers and parents. Assessment PlanThe benefits of dance/movement on ADHD individuals will be evaluated as per the NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scale. Using this scale, first, the ADHD individual under medication will be assessed at base line prior to dance sessions on the basis of Parent and Teacher responses. Next, the same individual’s progress will be monitored and recorded after three months of the dance sessions by the dance specialist in consultation with the attending physician. Subsequently, the progress will be monitored at regular intervals of three months.
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Information on Dance/Movement sessions for the other medical conditions will soon be available. This site is still under construction. Thank you for your patience. Please visit us again. |
| Dance Session Locations |
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1. Hope Mills Location (Behind Hope Mills Pediatrics) 3436 North Main Street Hope Mills, NC 28348 Tel: 910 303 2703 / 910 482 3436 |
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2. Fayetteville Location College Lakes Recreation Center Stacy Weaver Road Fayetteville, NC 28311 Tel: 910 391 6808 |
| Profile of Dance Specialist |
Asha Bala is a dance educator focused on understanding and redefining the learning of dance as a process that advances the emotional, cognitive and physical awareness of the individual. She combines strong performance skills with a wide-ranging knowledge of diverse dance forms. Her background in dance combines extensive education in the technique and theory of Modern dance as well as the Indian classical dance form known as Bharata Natyam. With over thirty years of dedication as a teacher, performer and, research scholar, she enjoys great familiarity with dance and brings a wealth of hands-on-experience to her work. Having taught different levels, ranging from graduate to under-graduate dance programs, from high school to after school programs she has developed a teaching approach that is integrated and yet diverse to suit the needs of each student population. She relies on textual, societal/cultural and multiple artistic forms to address the special needs of each of her student. Currently, she is engaged in developing a teaching methodology that aligns the creative expressions of dance and movement with alternate therapeutic practices. Professional Credentials: · M.A. Modern Dance Studies, American University, Washington, DC · M.F.A. Indian Classical Dance, University of Bombay, India Licensure: North Carolina Teacher's License Membership Affiliations § Society of Dance History Scholars § American Dance Therapy Association
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