Tyke'ing moves forward

When was the last time you saw your little one squeal with joy after a fun performing arts session? While those dance classes just before recess might have been a respite from the usual, recent studies show creative session can actually make a world of difference — in shaping and realising one’s creative potential.

Echoing similar lines, the city is all set to witness it’s first body movement festival, My Space My body —by Grooming Artistic Innovation Talent (GAIT), a creative educative movement on December 10 at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Vasanthnagar. The free festival has been conjured up to infuse elements of dance and theatre to stimulate innovative thinking. In a freewheeling chat, here’s more.

“The idea was to bring up a generation of happy, innovative youngsters who are as free in their bodies as they are in their minds. Children need a space of their own. Sometimes it’s a room or designated area of their home, and sometimes it’s an invisible force field around their body into which only a chosen few are comfortably allowed. Teaching children to respect the personal space of their peers begins at school with conversations on self-respect. If fostered carefully, this respect will progress into a social tool that the child will use for the rest of his or her life,” opines Preeti Sunderaj about how the idea sprouted.

The free festival will have children from the age group of 10, put up about four to five performances of synchronicity. “This is a very abstract concept. At the same time, spreads knowledge about spatial awareness in a lucid manner. The need for understanding between the right touch and the wrong touch, being aware of your surroundings has reached an all time high.” she adds.  

Interestingly, while the concept hasn’t been unheard of as yet, young parents and health experts are already giving their nod. Speaking about the same, Madhavi Anand, a city-based adolescent psychologist says, “Nearly a decade ago, the idea of theatre and dance was not as encouraged as it is now. And the whole subject was put under an umbrella. I’m glad we are finally looking up to activities, which show how one’s movements can also shape up one’s mental and creative awareness.”