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Feeling
embarrassed. Shoved into a classroom of 'dummies', 'no-hopers',
those who were never going to get anywhere. Well that's how it seemed at
the time. The result, she gave up, trying
no longer even an option. And the opposite scenario - high achiever, a
straight A student. But fearful of not maintaining the standard, terrified it
being 'discovered' that in fact she was not perfect at all.
Best friends, with these differing experiences, we have now
come together on a professional level to form I Can Dance Theatre. Years
and years of intimate talking, as best friends do, yet those old fears and
feelings of shame were never voiced. Until in the process of writing the
play, they came out. Helping to shape a story that encompasses issues of
acceptance, confidence, bullying, and diversity; a show that is having an impact from all kinds of backgrounds.
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"Student benefitted
immensely
from participating in and contributing to the performance. Well
done".
- Sacred Heart
College Oakleigh
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" A spectacular event!
It gives a secret message of hope - never to give up even if things don't
seem the way you had hoped for. Some Year 7s were chosen to perform
with the dancers. This was a laughable moment and everyone enjoyed
it all."
- Student
St. James College
Bentleigh East |
So what is it we've tapped into? Something universal it
seems. What isolates many of us is the belief 'it's only me'.
This can change when we realize we all have inherent weaknesses, we all feel
insecure at times. During the performance, when the audience gets to
observe and identify with the dejected character on stage, and what's more has
an opportunity to give her advice, isolation dissipates.
Flaws in thinking often result in feelings of inadequacy.
In our experience as students at school, we had a limited definition of
intelligence. To us, it was simple - you either had it or you didn't. In
the play we explore further to come to the understanding that we each learn
differently - have different strengths do things in different ways, develop at
different rates.
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When the character in the play is able to
internalize these
concepts, she blossoms. Of course, it doesn't happen
easily. She struggles with feelings of not being good enough, hindered by
the critical voice of bullying peer Gablet, and her own constant comparing.
Inspired by the exhilarating dancing, she despairs of ever being able to do it
herself. The turning point comes when she finally musters the
courage to change her outlook and attempt the 'unattemptable'. As she is told
later, ' you had it there all along, it's just the way you think about
yourself.'
Indeed it is. And look where the journey has
taken us. A dance theatre company entertaining and illuminating thousands
of students throughout Victoria. Here's living proof.
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" Very innovative, creative, fast
moving and engaging ...the audience was totally suspended....the boys (at
Ivanhoe Grammar) were thoroughly enjoying themselves and responded
extremely well....I believe this is exactly what schools and students
need." Judy Matthews
Catholic Education Dept. |
