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Promethean Spark in India
Joining hands with Rising Star Outreach, Promethean Spark succeeded in establishing much needed outreach programs in Southern India. Working with the leprosy patients of Bharatapuram Colony and the leprosy-affected students at the Rising Star School in Thottanaval (a small village 2 hrs south of Chennai) was both challenging and highly rewarding. Besides starting a tradition of singing, dancing and drumming with the eager young people we were able to reach out to the parents and grandparents to introduce a movement therapy program in the leprosy colonies. You should see the joy and light in their faces as they discover themselves in ways they never dreamed possible.
We are planning a 2nd trip to India in the fall of '08 to keep up the momentum for the programs that have been introduced.
We are planning a 2nd trip to India in the fall of '08 to keep up the momentum for the programs that have been introduced.
Teaching fun choreography to students at Rising Star School for leprosy affected children
A little Fosse styling in "Me and my Shadows" for the 15-16 year olds. Malodia, Megala, Alamelu and Sateesh
The room was too small for most classes so we held rehearsal outside
These children have all had varying degrees of trauma in their young lives. It is amazing to watch them feel excitement, joy and hope. You can see it in their eyes as they participate in the programs.
The first leprosy colony Promethean Spark established a program in was here in Bharatapuram, near Chennai, India
The "overseer" welcomes and congratulates Shaun after their first class. "You have given us a gift we shall remember until the day we die" he said with a thick Indian accent
Lakshmi, who is named after an Indian Goddess, is an artist and is now a devoted participant in the dance/movement classes
Making stretching fun in Bharatapuram
Shaun prepares for class in his makeshift dance studio, barred windows, concrete floor and all.
We got permission to hold class in the Hindu Temple courtyard, the only place big enough to accomodate so many people.
3rd Standard with "The Dance Master" as they called him.
Singing and dancing in the rain
Sateesh and Shankar doin a little Gene Kelly
