Catch a documentary and attend a movement workshop by a Pune-based instructor using dance to help patients with Parkinson's Disease
A still from the documentary, And So We Dance
A still from the documentary, And So We Dance
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Kathak and contemporary dancer Hrishikesh Pawar begins his class with simple movements. Using both his hands, he creates imaginary waves, folds his index fingers and thumbs to enact the stance of a peacock, and then stretches his hands towards the ceiling and joins his palms together in the pose of a mountain. A group of students in the room observe him, and slowly replicate the movements, some struggling initially to gain control of their trembling hands.
Between the ages of 49 and 86, all of them are living with Parkinson's Disease, a neuro-degenerative disorder that affects one's motor system. In April, on the occasion of World Dance Day, they performed a 67-minute contemporary dance piece choreographed by the Pune-based artistic director of Centre of Contemporary Dance. The performance is part of a documentary, And So We Dance, which Pawar brings to Mumbai for a screening this weekend.
"To be on stage for over an hour was difficult, but they achieved it. We used non-film songs in the piece. The documentary also reflects how the dance classes have affected them," says the 36-year-old, who began the dance programme for Parkinson's patients nine years ago, inspired by Mark Morris' dance group. He runs it in collaboration with Sancheti Institute for Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation. "Back then, we had only three students.
Dance sessions conducted by Pawar. Pics courtesy/Divesh Idnani
Many didn't sign up because they were embarrassed about their tremors and shaking hands, some couldn't deal with the idea of trying to dance at the age of 50, and most were psychologically drained after attempting their daily movements. So, I had to counsel not just the patients but also their caregivers about how dance would make them comfortable with their body. Today, we have 62 patients, and the documentary reflects how dance has made them independent. Unfortunately, since it's a self-funded project, we are unable to divide patients into groups based on the severity of their condition," says Pawar, adding that some of the students will be travelling to Mumbai for the screening.
Hrishikesh Pawar
On the next day, he will also conduct a movement workshop with 20 participants. "This session is not just for Parkinson's patients but also for dance practitioners and therapists, to help them understand the disorder and see what we can build together," he sums up.
On September 2, 8 pm (documentary screening) and 3, 11 am (workshop)
AT Studio Tamaasha, Bungalow No.
76, Aram Nagar Part 2, Andheri West.
Log on to bookmyshow.in
Cost Rs 150
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