Back from left, Ben and David; and front, Kael and Chelsea with their e.motion21 dance teacher Kate Crerar. 84644 Pictures: BRIDGET COOK
By Bridget Cook
A NEW dance school in Cranbourne is moving bodies and boundaries for children and young adults with Down Syndrome.
E.motion21 started up a dance school in Cranbourne last month, giving local youngsters the chance to dance in a supportive environment.
E.motion21 is a unique, fresh and distinctive provider of specialised dance and fitness programs to people with Down Syndrome aged from four to 35-years-old.
The volunteer-run charity also engages with the community regularly to showcase the abilities of people with Down Syndrome and to shift pre-conceived stereotypes.
It was founded in April 2009 by Cate Sayers when she discovered her then six-year-old daughter Alexandra, who has Down Syndrome, could no longer continue in the mainstream dance classes like her sisters.
The dance school has since grown to more than 150 students across the state, with schools opening up Kew, Pasco Vale, Geelong, Ballarat and most recently Cranbourne.
Dancer teacher Kate Crerar, from Pearcedale, said they opened the school in Cranbourne as there was lots of interest for a school of its type in the area.
“It’s so much fun to be a part of an organisation where you really see people’s skills excel,” she said.
“When they are here they are the majority, not the minority.”
Ms Crerar said the classes were definitely based around performance, but also helped with skill development, interacting as a team, socialising and independence.
Tooradin mother Lesley-Ann Hutchison was driving her son Ben to Kew on a weekly basis to take part in the class.
Ms Hutchison said she was thrilled there was now class closer to home.
“Ben just loves dancing and singing and performing,” she said.
“There are so many skills developed and friendships made.
“It also raises common awareness about the abilities of kids and adults with Down Syndrome.
“And it’s also just great fun for them.”
Six-year-old Jeremy Doyle has been travelling from Emerald to take part in the Cranbourne classes.
His mother Michelle said he got so much enjoyment from them.
“Jeremy is so excited to come every week,” she said.
“He always has the biggest smile on his face.”
As a largely volunteer-based organisation, the dance school is always grateful for support in the form of volunteering, in-kind services or funding.
Cranbourne dance classes are held Wednesday evenings, at 5pm for six to 12 year olds, 6pm for 13 to 19 year olds and 7pm for 20 to 35 year olds.
The classes are held at the Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club, 1 Codrington Street.
Anyone wanting to find out more or to join the class can contact Ms Hutchison on 0433 205 488, email info@emotion21.org.au or visit www.emotion21.org.au.
