"Autistic is Artistic" Phase 2: Research

Visiting the Sybil Elgar School

To facilitate the education and research behind this project, we have been fortunate enough to have the National Autistic Society (NAS) and The Sybil Elgar School on board. We are grateful that with the help of Heenal Amin, who works at the Sybil Elgar School (a specialist school funded by the NAS) we have arranged a visit to the school where we can truly learn about the work that the NAS and the staff of Sybil Elgar are doing and for us to gain an understanding of autism whilst we see these young people with autism in their natural and everyday environment. It is a great opportunity and a vital part of the research in planning our show as it helps us to become more aware of what autism is and the characteristics in order for us to give a more accurate portrayal and for us to provide an insight into the lives of these young people.

Four of us from the dance group were fortunate enough to be available during the day when we arranged to visit the school. As we arrived we were welcomed by the head teacher and deputy. The day was scheduled to include a tour of the school, a dance performance by us, for the young students and a dance workshop, followed by interviews with a few of the kids.  During the tour we were able to see the specialist facilities the school has for the development for the students which was very impressive as the facilities ranged from a sensory themed playground, exercise room with the assistance of an occupational therapist, computer labs, food technology rooms, arts and crafts rooms and so on. We were able to see the staff at work as they were in the midst of interacting with their students during our tour of the school and watched the running of the school. We were able to meet students on our tour and all the students were really friendly and excited to see new faces in the school and were keen to find out who we are.

We then got ready to perform, which was a real honour as the appreciation from the students was like no other we had experienced before. They enjoyed it so much that we had some students get so excited that they joined us on the dance floor. It was such a special experience as they were so willing to try out dance moves and were ready to interact with us.  The performance was followed by a dance workshop where all the students joined us on the dance floor and took direction to try some of our moves.

We then moved to the library where we invited some of the young people for an informal chat to help us learn more about them as individuals and more about autism. We spoke with Kane, Paul and Albert who were an absolute pleasure to speak with as they were really open and loved talking. Kane talked about some of his hobbies and baffled us all when he started talking about programming and building software. He was such an intelligent student that he started asking us questions. He spoke about the way he sees autism and told us how he's affected with hyposensitive senses, which gave us an amazing insight into his world and autism as no one could better describe it than the way he did. I asked what this meant to have hyposensitive senses as I didn't really understand and he described this so well when he simply said "I have the hearing of a blind person and the sight of a deaf person". At this point is when I truly appreciated how intelligent these young people are. Paul talked a lot about his dancing and the different styles of dance styles that he likes. He also told us about his experiences of going on Got to Dance and his interest in Britain's Got Talent. His enthusiasm, passion and ambition was a lovely quality to see. Albert aged only 11 told us about his passion for gaming and spoke openly about his experiences of living with autism. It was fantastic meeting the children of The Sybil Elgar School as they are amazing young people.

Lastly we had the opportunity to speak with Lucy, the Head Teacher at the school, who told us about the role that the school play in the children's lives. She explained that the school aims to be a very nurturing place as they provide support for not only the children but to the families as its considered to be like home for some children. The school is pivotal in their lives as it aims to provide positive and a broad depth of experiences by bringing the outside world to them and by taking them into the outside world also. It was great to hear that they try to encourage children to be as independent as possible to get them ready for a meaningful life after they leave the school. Just being in the school environment made us all feel positive as we could feel the love and nurturing qualities in not only the staff but in the atmosphere. From this experience it was clear that the school makes such a difference to the lives of these young people. Lucy went on to tell us what the money we have raised during this project will contribute towards. As the funds raised will be coming from a dance project, they plan to plough the money back into the arts by broadening the children's experiences by possibly taking them to see more performances, West End productions and Sadler's Wells productions. Another ongoing project at the school is to encourage the use of bicycles in an initiative to get active for the Olympics, so funds could also contribute to buying bicycles which is a few of many ongoing projects.

"The whole experience brought back memories of being back at camp in New York where i was counselling autistic adults. I was really comfortable being back in that environment, and felt at ease around these young students and wanted to be there for longer to get to know the children's personalities and spend time with them. I was quite keen to find out how the young children think creatively and perceive things as appose to adults. It was an amazing experience to perform for them as it was different to their daily activities and some kids were so amazed that they got up and danced with us."

Jesal Patel

"When I hear the word "autistic" I pretty much first think of Dustin Hoffman acting in the film Rainman. I guess that was unfortunately the extent of my ignorance on the subject. However the visit to the Sybil Elgar school opened my eyes and mind to so much more. Even though a small amount of time was spent there, what I took away with me was so much more.

Autism affects people in different ways, but what was so amazing to see is how vivacious and interactive these individuals are, and maybe it's because they see the world in a different, and probably even better way - whereas most of us can't even see what's right in front of us. It's clear that the prejudices against autism still exist. But what's not realised is that these people have so much more to offer than given credit for. I wouldn't have swapped this day for the world. I went there to teach but instead I came out being taught."

Seema Patel

On behalf of the whole dance group we'd like to say a huge Thank You to the staff of The Sybil Elgar School for having us there and sharing their world with us. We hope to plan another visit in the near future as the staff were very welcoming and left us with an open invitation to return.

"Autistic is Artistic" Meet The Dancers

Our dance group consists of 10 young dynamic dancers, that have grown together to become an empowering force with the common goal of bringing 'Kathak' into the 21st century and whilst adhering to the traditional style, they add their personality and influences of a modern day and age. Each member of the group brings a different element to the dance space, as they are all working women with different lines of profession and together add vital parts to make a strong dance entity.

Meet The Dancers:

SHIVANI BHANDARI SETHIA
Occupation: Kathak Teacher

"The sound of music... The tinkle of the ghungroos... The lights on the stage... Bring life to my soul. Dance is my passion... my passion defines me."

Dance and music has always been an important part of my upbringing. Trained in Jaipur gharana originally, have continued my journey in London picking up the intricacies of Lucknow. Performing and training with a group of friends is an icing on the cake.


TRISHNA KUMARI

Occupation: Research Laboratory Technician / Kathak Teacher

"I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance to better myself"

The rainbow of personalities that shine together on one stage is a unique quality that unleashes our creativity to present Kathak in such an extraordinary performance

PAYAL PATEL

Occupation: Political Risk Insurance Broker / Kathak Teacher

"Innovation is born when boundaries are pushed beyond the conventional scaffold"

This project is a culmination of three things... A love of Kathak... A passion to perform... The bond of friendship. 'Autistic is Artistic' has been our most challenging project as it has tested each one of us mentally, physically and emotionally. We have crossed our thresholds of comfort as we enter the stage tonight, and take you on a special journey that aims to raise awareness of a cause that is dear to our hearts.



DHRUTI DATTANI 

Occupation: Marketing

"Through limitations comes creativity"

Growing up with and dancing with a group of friends that have grown close with a common passion to dance is what makes us different. This bond is unrivaled and unraveled every time we perform as a force.  It is an honor to perform for such a cause and realize new horizons with the dance form too.

HEENAL AMIN 
Occupation: Classroom Assistant at The Sybil Elgar School

"To touch... To move... To inspire... Dance.... The Rhythm of Life" 

My two separate but parallel paths of my life finally meet on one stage...- Autistic is Artistic. I am very grateful to be able to share my passion and knowledge of over 4 years of working with Autism with 9 other Kathak dancers who I have shared the stage with for over 12 years.



 

FALGUNI UPADHYAYA 
Occupation: Learning Support Teacher 

"Freedom from gravity, Flight from life, is my dance" 

When I dance alone, I feel free. But it is when I dance with my group, I feel elevated. Our collective energy along with the simple music made from our ghungroo’s makes Kathak a spiritual journey. I have been fortunate to work with two very special people on this project, without whom ‘Autistic is Artistic’ would not be possible. To them I say thank you! The opportunity to raise awareness about Autism (a cause very dear to our heart) has pushed us beyond boundaries; I have reached new heights both physically and mentally as well as emotionally.

ANEESHA SHAH 
Occupation: Dentist

 "Live.... Love.... Feel....Dance!"

Dance is the bond that draws the 10 of us together. We've grown up together so naturally inspire each other. This show is the first of our 'creations' as artists in our own right and showcases not only our talent but our compassion and benevolence in wanting to increase awareness and raise funds for such a great cause. Enjoy the show!



 HIMA DATTANI
Occupation: Physiotherapist

“In the words of my grandfather ‘Simple living, high thinking’.......... Forever dancing”

For me dance is the purest most natural form of therapy. It has a holistic energy, cleansing and harmonising the mind, body and soul.

SEEMA PATEL 
Occupation: Marketing and Arts Coordinator

"The sky's the limit"

To me, dance is about expression of freedom from which creativity is born. When you dance without boundaries, you are bearing your soul. As a group that is connected through dance, we've tested boundaries many a time, which is why we are what we are, and do what we do. No journey is complete without taking footsteps, but we've been fortunate to have each other throughout the long, and often arduous walk. 



JESAL PATEL

Occupation: Designer / Care Manager

"Unparalleled, Intensity, Transcendent, Poise. A Painting of Life." 

Dance is a form of expression allowing me to release tied up emotion, be free and become one with the dance form. As a group of 10 dancers and friends we work well as a team, but my contribution to the team is my interpretation of dance as dyslexia gives me a unique perspective. Having worked with Autistic Adults in New York, I experienced personal growth as a dancer and choreographer, which has enabled me to share my knowledge and experiences for this project.."Autistic is Artistic"

"Autistic is Artistic" The project leaders

Kathak Collective was an initiative started in 2006 with the aim of presenting the talent of upcoming dancers as well as collaborating with external institutions. Kathak Collective allowed the growth of the dance form showing how kathak is ever evolving and able to manipulate in any situation, yet still adhering to its traditional style, beauty and elegance. The philosophy of our dance group is to always explore new boundaries in which Kathak can portray an array of meanings, emotions and stories. The influence behind our dance style comes from having an Indian cultured upbringing in a British society.

We thought that this year's kathak collective should be different in that we explore a theme that portrays a topic close to our hearts. Something that we are passionate about and would allow us to explore a new direction with the dance form too. It naturally made sense that as two of the project leaders Heenal and Falguni, both work with children and young people with special needs, that it would be interesting to incorporate their knowledge and experiences with our dance production. As we started to explore the world of autism, it became clear that this was a cause that would benefit people within the Asian community as it is a subject that doesn't get talked about and has a sense of taboo around it. We decided to propose a project that would raise awareness, awaken and question the thinking around this subject and allow people to gather information and an insight into their world.

The project leaders:

FALGUNI UPADHYAYA
Age: 24
Occupation: Learning support teacher
Project leader role: Researcher/Educator/Dancer/Choreographer 

‘Freedom from gravity…flight from life is my dance’

I hold this mantra very dear to my heart; it encompasses all the components in my life from my childhood, my upbringing, my education and career, my spiritual beliefs, my travels around India, South America and Kenya and my dance. At the very center of these components lies my family; without their wisdom and grounded guidance I certainly wouldn’t be the young lady that I am today.

In all the sporadic and haphazard moments in my life, my dance has been the one ever-evolving consistent element, which has gone from being a simple hobby to a semi-profession and swims through my body, like the blood in my veins, the air in my lungs. So much so that my closest friends often joke that I dance even when I talk!

My job as working with children that have special educational needs in a mainstream school really challenged my often very conventional way of thinking. I came to a realisation that their so-called ‘special needs’ is an ability as opposed to a dis-ability.

Through my experiences at this school, I began to form a keen interest in autism. I learnt about the hearty work that the National Autistic Society does for individuals and families where autism is at the centre of their world. Instantly I was hooked, I also wanted to be part of their movement in raising awareness about this condition – and I soon found myself becoming a some sort of superwomen character out of a comic book (except without the cape and colourful strap suit!), jumping out of a plane at a height of 10,000ft, falling at 160mph as part of a fundraising stunt for this charity. It was while I was propelling from this distance and speed, I finally achieved ‘freedom from gravity, flight from life’!!

Still buzzing from this experience, my two best friends and I came up with the idea of using what we love doing most-dance- and use its versatility to communicate what it is like to have autism. We instantly started brainstorming thinking about different dance pieces, incorporating specific characteristics of autism, set design, costumes, music, movement phrases and themes; we created a dialogue, bouncing off idea’s from one another and what at one point seemed only an idea, now became ‘Autistic is Artistic’. 

HEENAL AMIN
Age: 23
Occupation: Classroom Assistant at The Sybil Elgar School
Project Role: Researcher/Coordinator/Dancer/Choreographer

My first encounter with ‘Autism’ was whilst studying Psychology at the University Of Hertfordshire. Although having in depth knowledge from many phenomenal studies, the text book definition of Autism, hadn’t prepared me for coming face to face and working with these somewhat excluded young people. My practical work with autism started as an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) tutor with a 5 year old autistic child. My first day with the child set me to tears and immediately indicated how integrated society was with Autistic individuals.  It was truly a life-changing experience. Progression has led me to work for the National Autistic Society as a classroom assistant in one of their secondary schools- The Sybil Elgar School, a specialist school for young people with Autism. I found my first couple of weeks extremely challenging but knew in my heart I would wake up happily to go to work, to deliver and make a difference to the lives of these young individual peoples and now I have been there for over 2 years. On the operating ground the work is difficult and demanding at times, nevertheless I wouldn't change a single element but contribute to the needs of helping such vulnerable young individuals.  It was during this period I decided I wanted to pursue a career in helping young people with Autism, their families and society to integrate to live in a better cohesion world.

Last year my self and my peer, Falguni accelerated through the sky falling from 13,0000 feet at over 120mph in a charity fund raiser to raise awareness of Autism. A great experience of 2011 by far. However I cannot stop at any cost, and am very pleased to be able to use the form of dance to raise awareness, portray the complexities of autism and raise money to provide resources for The Sybil Elgar School- a institution very dear to my heart. 
Inbred deep within my creed I haven't stopped tapping my feet since the age of 6 and I am very grateful to be able to share my passion of Autism with 9 other Kathak dancers who I have shared the stage with for over 12 years. I am very grateful to all my family and friends for the non stop support they have given me through my journey of autism. It is a great pleasure to be able to join my passions in life together by presenting- 'Autistic is Artistic'. Like all of us every child is an individual so...Remember ‘Every Child Matters’- Accept their differences not their indifferences. 

DHRUTI DATTANI
Age: 26
Occupation: Marketing
Project Role: Marketing/Dancer/Choreographer

Dancer, Mehndi artist, Marketer, Graphic Designer, Artist. As a Young free spirit I like to get involved in all things creative where a freedom of expression is vital. A natural progression of studies and interests has involved pursuing creativity. With a passion for art I started my own company to establish myself as a Mehndi Artist, which also reinforced a passion for marketing. An interest in marketing also came when studying at the University of Hertfordshire where I learnt about the Media industry and digital application where a creative process was involved. All my endeavors have involved creativity such as dance. Throughout my life, dance has been the one constant which has allowed the connection of the mind, body and spirit. I count dance to have had a great deal of influence on my outlook on life as it has allowed me to develop into a positive, creative and spiritual individual. 

Taking on this project has been a process of learning and understanding the complexities of autism, as it is a subject that I didn't know too much about. This journey has been exciting as I have been able to apply my skills in planning the event but also learn about autism along the way from research and a sharing of first hand experiences from my co-project leaders and two dearest friends Heenal and Falguni.