Stories - experiences around people living with disability
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EDUCATION STORIES
BENS'S STORY - His Life, Our Words
I'm really interested in performance, especially dancing, music and theatre. I was in a dance group for people with Down Syndrome a couple of years ago, and we did a big performance as part of a show that was performed three times at the Elmwood Auditorium. There were a number of groups performing as part of the show. We practiced a lot before the show, and our performance was spectacular! Our show was comprised of four songs and then all the groups came together and performed the last song together. The highlight for me was when I was chosen to dance with the adult group as well.
At home I like to dance to music in my room a lot. One of my favourite DVDs is “High School Musical”. It's a movie about a group of teenagers and their friendships and how they work together to make things happen. I know all the words to that DVD!
Another favourite way for me to indulge in my love of performance is to run a Puppet Show if we have friends or family over. I've got a lot of puppets that I use. I perform my show in our lounge. I get behind the couch with my puppets while the audience is on the other side. I begin by saying "Welcome to the Show!"
I like to involve the audience to make it more fun for everyone, so I'll use the puppet's voice and ask people, "What's your name? And how old are you?" When I'm doing the show with my friends and family I'll usually give someone else a turn with the puppets then and I'll get on the other side of the couch and introduce myself to the puppet. "Hi! I'm Ben, and I'm 11."
After the introductions I usually perform a play I make up. I like to use my cousins as characters. My cousins are my best mates and we spend a lot of time together.